One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables all cooked together in one pot, this dish brings the homestyle comfort of a classic chicken pot pie without the fuss. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes. Get ready for a family-friendly favorite that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, keeping cleanup quick and easy after mealtime.
- Rich, creamy texture: The sauce perfectly coats the gnocchi and chicken for a comforting bite every time.
- Versatile and family-friendly: Mild flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Quick to prepare: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Endless customization: Easily switch up the veggies or protein to fit your taste or pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie uses simple, essential ingredients that deliver maximum comfort without complicated prep. Each component adds a layer of texture, flavor, or color to the dish, making it both filling and crowd-pleasing.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Provides tender, protein-rich meat that absorbs all the creamy sauce flavors beautifully.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the sauce for a rich mouthfeel.
- Mixed vegetables: Typically carrots, peas, and corn add natural sweetness and pops of color.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Adds luscious creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Butter and flour: Used together to create a roux that thickens the sauce to perfect pot pie consistency.
- Onion and garlic: Build a savory foundation and enhance the dish’s aroma.
- Fresh herbs or dried thyme: Bring subtle earthiness to brighten the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously to balance all the ingredients.
Variations for One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
Feel free to put your own spin on this classic comfort meal! This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie recipe is flexible and easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Try these tasty variations to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu to create a delicious meat-free version.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Different veggies: Use broccoli, green beans, or zucchini instead of traditional peas and carrots for seasonal flair.
- Dairy-free version: Replace cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a creamy vegan option.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for extra richness and gooeyness.
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté them in a large pot over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, add butter and melt it completely. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Next, add chopped carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. This step is crucial to thickening the sauce. Let the flour cook for a minute to eliminate any raw taste.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then, add the cream or half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the gnocchi and mixed vegetables. Let everything cook together for about 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the vegetables are heated through.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Herbs
Add fresh or dried thyme, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and give the pot one last stir. Your creamy, comforting One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Use fresh gnocchi when possible: It cooks faster and has a softer texture than frozen varieties.
- Don’t skip the roux: It thickens the sauce naturally for that perfect pot pie creaminess without canned soup.
- Cook veggies evenly: Dice them uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Keep an eye on the gnocchi: Overcooking can make them mushy, so test for doneness early.
- Adjust thickness: If sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Serve One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top to bring a fresh, bright flavor and a pop of green color. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also adds an extra layer of richness.
Side Dishes
This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make excellent accompaniments to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie in individual ramekins or bowls and sprinkle a little extra cheese and herbs before broiling for a bubbly, golden crust on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining their creamy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used; just increase the cooking time slightly and cook until tender but not mushy.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! The One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works great and saves time – just add it during the last step to warm through without overcooking.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or another plant-based milk instead of cream and substitute butter with oil or vegan margarine for a creamy dairy-free version.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt and herbs can work if chicken broth isn’t available, though it may slightly alter the flavor depth.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again: simple, cozy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a quick, satisfying meal, it’s a fantastic comfort food that checks all the boxes. Give it a try tonight and enjoy all the creamy, flavorful goodness without the stress.
Related Posts
PrintOne Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
A warm, creamy, and comforting One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and mixed vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for quick, hearty weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free flour and gnocchi)
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Carbohydrates
- 1 lb gnocchi (fresh preferred)
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Fats and Thickening Agents
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté in a large pot over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter completely. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft. Toss in chopped carrots and cook until they start to soften.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for about one minute to remove any raw flour taste and to thicken the sauce later.
- Add Broth and Cream: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add cream or half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sauce will thicken.
- Combine Gnocchi and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stir in gnocchi and mixed vegetables. Cook together for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi are tender and vegetables are heated through.
- Final Seasoning and Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and stir thoroughly. The dish is now ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for faster cooking and softer texture.
- Don’t skip the roux; it thickens the sauce naturally, avoiding canned soups.
- Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Watch the gnocchi closely to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: one pot, gnocchi, chicken pot pie, creamy, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly
