If you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal without the fuss of baking a crust, the Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender gnocchi soaking up a luscious, creamy chicken and vegetable filling, bursting with fresh thyme and savory mushrooms. This dish captures all the rich flavors of a traditional pot pie but comes together in a single pan in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the earthy cremini mushrooms to the soft gnocchi and savory chicken, these simple staples combine to create a dish that’s anything but basic.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the mushrooms and onions for a flavorful base.
- Sliced cremini mushrooms (2 cups): Provides an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken and herbs.
- Diced yellow onion (1½ cups): Brings sweetness and aroma that balances the savory elements.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon plus more for garnish): Infuses the dish with a subtle, fresh herb flavor that brightens the creamy filling.
- Reduced salt chicken bouillon seasoning (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall taste with a savory punch without overpowering.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Heightens the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Diced rotisserie chicken white meat (3 cups): Provides tender protein that soaks up all the comforting flavors.
- Frozen peas & carrots (15-ounce bag, thawed): Introduces sweetness and color for visual appeal and texture contrast.
- Cream of chicken with herbs soup (21 ounces/2 cans): A creamy base that ties the dish together with herbal richness.
- Unsalted chicken stock (3 cups): Balances the thickness of the soup and keeps the filling luscious and smooth.
- Potato gnocchi (16-ounce package): Soft, pillowy dumplings that serve as a fun and comforting crust-free alternative in this pot pie.
How to Make Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by melting the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms, diced onions, fresh thyme leaves, chicken bouillon seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook these together for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. This step is where all those lovely flavors begin to build, creating a rich foundation for your pot pie filling.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Next, stir in the diced rotisserie chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and the cream of chicken with herbs soup. Mix everything thoroughly so the soup envelops the chicken and veggies, creating a deliciously creamy and hearty mixture. This is where your pot pie filling really starts to come together.
Step 3: Add Chicken Stock and Blend
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to ensure the mixture becomes smooth and evenly combined. The stock adds just the right amount of moisture, balancing the thickness of the soup and allowing the filling to simmer perfectly without drying out.
Step 4: Simmer with Gnocchi
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the potato gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the gnocchi from clumping together. You’ll know it’s ready when the gnocchi are tender and the filling is thick and bubbling. This step transforms simple ingredients into that cozy pot pie comfort without any pastry crust.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked through, remove your pan from the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. Your Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh thyme sprinkled on top adds a sophisticated touch and aroma that complements the creamy base beautifully. For extra texture and color, consider a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or some crispy fried onions to add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple side of steamed green beans also add freshness and balance the richness of the pot pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pot pie in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets, which keeps it warm longer and makes each portion feel extra special. You could even top each serving with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or herbs to elevate the texture and look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your leftover Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave a little room at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and tender gnocchi.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and the sauce is bubbly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating without drying out the gnocchi or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Homemade cooked chicken, whether roasted or boiled, works wonderfully. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
Is it possible to substitute the gnocchi with another ingredient?
If you can’t find gnocchi or want a lower-carb option, small pasta like mini shells or pearl couscous can be used, but gnocchi’s pillowy texture really makes the dish special.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose dairy-free cream of chicken soup and stock to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with sturdy vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms and use vegetable broth along with a creamy mushroom or vegetable soup instead of chicken-based products.
Does the gnocchi stick together while cooking?
It can, which is why frequent stirring during the simmering step is key. Adding them slowly and stirring gently also helps keep the gnocchi separate and tender.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe that makes it perfect for those days when you want comfort food without the hassle. This dish balances creamy, savory flavors with the soft, pillow-like gnocchi to create a hearty meal everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself—you might just find it becomes a family favorite in your kitchen!
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Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender rotisserie chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy potato gnocchi with savory vegetables and herbs. This easy recipe delivers the classic flavors of a chicken pot pie without the hassle of baking a crust, making it perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms (baby Bella mushrooms)
- 1½ cups diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus additional for garnish
Seasonings and Broth
- 2 teaspoons reduced salt chicken bouillon seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken white meat
- 15 ounce bag of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 21 ounces (2 cans of 10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken with herbs soup
- 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 16 ounce package of potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large sauté pan (12 inches wide x 3 inches deep) over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms, diced onions, fresh thyme leaves, chicken bouillon seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Chicken, Vegetables, and Soup: Stir in the diced rotisserie chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and the cream of chicken with herbs soup. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly in the pan.
- Incorporate Chicken Stock: Slowly pour in the unsalted chicken stock while stirring continuously to ensure the pot pie mixture becomes smooth and fully blended, creating a creamy consistency.
- Cook Gnocchi and Simmer: Bring the filling to a low boil, then add the potato gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent the gnocchi from sticking. Cook until the gnocchi is fully tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with additional fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Serve hot for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor, but leftover cooked chicken works well too.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent gnocchi from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a thicker filling, reduce the chicken stock slightly or cook a bit longer to let the mixture thicken.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme; use about one-third the amount.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American