If you have been on the hunt for comfort food with a delightful, cozy twist, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe. It’s a luscious, hearty meal that brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of savory vegetables all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe captures the soul-warming essence of a classic pot pie but skips the crust for extra ease and a smoother, velvety experience. Perfect for a family dinner or when you simply need a little extra comfort on your plate, this dish will become your new favorite weeknight go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe plays a vital role, from boosting flavor to adding texture and color—making the process simple but the result spectacular.
- Butter or vegan butter: Adds richness and a silky base for sautéing vegetables, enhancing the overall creaminess.
- Sliced carrots: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to the dish.
- Sliced mushrooms: Offer earthy depth and meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Thinly sliced celery: Provides a fresh crunch and subtle herbal flavor.
- Chopped shallot or onion: Creates a fragrant, aromatic foundation that rounds out the dish’s flavor profile.
- Homemade seasoned salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing every element.
- Pressed or minced garlic cloves: Infuse bold, savory notes that elevate the creamy sauce.
- Poultry seasoning: Adds an inviting blend of herbs that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Dried thyme: A subtle herbal accent that enriches every bite.
- Gluten-free or all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it that luscious, pot pie consistency.
- Chicken stock or broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Milk (any kind): Contributes creaminess and smoothness to the sauce—I love unsweetened almond milk for a lighter touch.
- Gluten-free gnocchi: Soft, tender dumplings that soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Shredded chicken breast: Protein-packed and tender, making every spoonful hearty and satisfying.
- Frozen peas: Bright pops of sweetness and delightful color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Warm a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it starts to shimmer. Toss in your carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots or onions. Cook these until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5-7 minutes. This step creates a beautiful flavor base, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Now, add the garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme to the pot. The moment these hit the warm butter, their fragrance will fill your kitchen and bring that classic pot pie aroma alive. Stir them around for a minute to really let those flavors blossom.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Liquids
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir to coat everything. This simple technique will thicken your sauce into a dreamy creaminess. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring, encouraging the mixture to thicken gently as it heats. Bring it to a simmer—you’ll soon notice the sauce taking on a velvety texture that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi right into the pot and let them cook in the creamy sauce until they’re tender and slightly puffed up. This usually takes just a few minutes. The gnocchi absorb the flavors perfectly, making each bite full of tender comfort.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Peas
Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas, allowing them to warm through. This final step adds protein and fresh bursts of sweetness, along with a lush, satisfying texture. Give it a taste, then adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your bowl of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top. These simple garnishes add a lovely brightness and a slight nutty edge that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it loves great companions! Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal that keeps things fresh and vibrant on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the creamy stew in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. This not only keeps your meal warm longer but turns the dish into a charming centerpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next-day meal just as delicious if not better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and tuck it away for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the peas and gnocchi may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low to medium heat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or milk while warming helps restore that silky texture and keeps your pot pie comforting and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Using vegan butter and unsweetened almond milk, as suggested, makes this dish creamy and luscious without any dairy. It’s a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Is the gnocchi gluten-free?
The recipe calls for a gluten-free gnocchi package, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Of course, you can use regular gnocchi if gluten is not a concern.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here and helps speed up your prep time. Just shred it and add it at the last step as directed.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorites like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to customize the dish and add more color and nutrients.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Sprinkling flour over the vegetables and stirring it in before adding liquids is key to thickening the sauce. Be sure to cook the flour briefly to avoid any raw taste, and your sauce will turn out silky and smooth.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely encourage you to try this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe at home because it’s truly a bowl full of comfort and joy. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or craving a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers every time. It’s approachable, flavorful, and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines the flavors of a traditional pot pie in a quick and easy stovetop recipe.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large or 2 small ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
Seasonings and Flavorings
- Homemade seasoned salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Pinch dried thyme
Dairy and Fats
- 4 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 cup milk, any kind (unsweetened almond milk works well)
Other Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour if not gluten-free
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 12 oz package gluten-free gnocchi
- 1–1/2 cups shredded chicken breast, approximately 1/2 lb pre-cooked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter or vegan butter, then add sliced carrots, mushrooms, celery, and chopped shallot or onion. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced or pressed garlic, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of dried thyme. Continue to sauté the mixture until the garlic is fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Flour and Liquid: Sprinkle the gluten-free or all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the flour, which will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken stock and milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the package of gluten-free gnocchi to the pot. Let them simmer in the broth until they become tender and cooked through, usually about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the shredded chicken breast and frozen peas, warming them through evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with homemade seasoned salt and pepper as needed. Once heated through and well combined, ladle the creamy chicken and gnocchi pot pie into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to stir frequently when adding flour and liquids to prevent lumps.
- You can prepare shredded chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add an additional tablespoon of flour.
- Feel free to swap peas with other vegetables like green beans or corn according to your preference.
