If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, shredded chicken with pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a luscious, creamy broth all simmered to perfection. This dish captures the classic soul of a pot pie but skips the crust, making it a comforting yet slightly lighter weeknight winner your family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to bringing this comforting dish to life. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this pot pie an absolute delight.
- Butter or vegan butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Carrots: Bring a hint of sweetness and a lovely pop of orange.
- Mushrooms: Provide an earthy depth that balances the creaminess.
- Celery: Contributes a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
- Shallot or onion: Builds the savory base with mild aromatic notes.
- Seasoned salt and pepper: Essential for customizing the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that brightens the dish.
- Poultry seasoning: Infuses that classic pot pie flavor we all love.
- Dried thyme: Offers a delicate herbaceous touch.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce to that irresistibly creamy consistency.
- Chicken stock or broth: Forms the savory liquid base.
- Milk: Enriches the sauce with smoothness; plant-based options work perfectly.
- Gluten-free gnocchi: Soft, chewy dumplings that elevate this pot pie beyond the ordinary.
- Shredded chicken breast: Protein-packed and tender, making the dish satisfying.
- Frozen peas: Adds a sweet pop of green and freshness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating your Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter until it shimmers. Add the sliced carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots or onion. Cook them gently until they become tender and fragrant, which will form the delicious vegetable base of your pot pie.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme. These aromatics awaken the pan with their inviting fragrances and deepen the pot pie’s classic flavors. Cook just long enough for the garlic to release its aroma without browning.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the Flour and Pour Liquids
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to coat every piece. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce into that creamy, almost velvety consistency. Slowly pour in the chicken stock or broth and your choice of milk while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so it can thicken up beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Once your sauce is simmering nicely, add the gnocchi straight into the pot. Let them cook until tender and slightly puffed, typically just a few minutes. The gnocchi soak up all that creamy goodness, transforming this pot pie into a truly satisfying comfort food.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Finally, fold in your shredded chicken and frozen peas, warming everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Now your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe is ready for serving, bubbling hot and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top instantly brightens the bowl and adds a fresh herbaceous note. A little cracked black pepper or a touch of grated Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderful on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to add contrasting textures and complementary flavors. For an extra cozy meal, warm crusty bread makes a perfect side to scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your creamy pot pie in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic presentation perfect for dinner parties. For casual meals, ladle it into shallow bowls and top with a buttery biscuit or flaky pastry crust for a hybrid take on classic pot pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this pot pie holds up deliciously for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy easy, comforting meals well beyond the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a busy day, this dish freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the tender texture of the gnocchi and chicken.
Reheating
Reheat your stored pot pie slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick, restoring that perfect creamy consistency just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, making your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe even easier and faster to prepare.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap regular butter with vegan butter and use unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk to keep the creaminess while making the dish dairy-free.
What can I substitute if I can’t find gnocchi?
While gnocchi is the star in this recipe, small pasta shapes like mini shells, or even diced potatoes, can work in a pinch to provide that comforting, chewy texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the creamy vegetable and broth base a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the gnocchi, chicken, and peas just before cooking and serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
If you use gluten-free flour and gluten-free gnocchi, this dish is completely safe for gluten-sensitive folks without compromising on flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting and satisfying about the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is a warm reminder that simple, heartfelt food always hits the spot. Don’t hesitate to try it—you might just find your new favorite cozy meal to return to again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 sauce. Gluten-free and easily adaptable to various diets, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick family dinner, combining the classic flavors of pot pie in a creamy, skillet-friendly version.
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
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken breast (approximately 1/2 lb pre-cooked)
- 4 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 cup milk, any kind (unsweetened almond milk works well)
Seasonings and Others
- Homemade seasoned salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Pinch dried thyme
- 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
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the sliced carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots or onion. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme. Continue sautéing until the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Flour and Liquid: Sprinkle the gluten-free or all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce, which will take around 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering pot and cook until tender, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the shredded chicken breast and frozen peas. Heat through until the chicken is warmed and peas are cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper accordingly. Ladle the creamy chicken and gnocchi pot pie into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegan butter and plant-based milk can be used to make the dish dairy-free.
- Pre-cooked chicken can be from rotisserie, leftover roast, or boiled chicken breasts.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth or milk if needed.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
