One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie

Imagine sinking your fork into pillowy gnocchi surrounded by a creamy, savory sauce with tender chunks of chicken and vibrant vegetables. This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie transforms the classic comfort food into an easy, one-dish wonder that delivers all the cozy flavors you crave without the fuss of a traditional pie crust. The velvety sauce clings perfectly to each piece of gnocchi, creating a deeply satisfying meal that comes together in just one pot. You’ll learn how to create this comforting masterpiece with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. First, it’s the ultimate time-saver—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening. The pillowy gnocchi provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken pieces and crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.

The rich, creamy sauce delivers that classic pot pie flavor without requiring you to make or handle pastry dough. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites yet refined enough to serve for casual entertaining. The combination of herbs and seasonings creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, though it comes together in about 30 minutes.

Additionally, this chicken pot pie with gnocchi is incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have in your refrigerator. It’s comfort food reinvented for modern, busy households that don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Ingredients

For this delicious One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about ½ cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp dried sage
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (130g) frozen peas
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The gnocchi serves as the perfect replacement for traditional pie crust, absorbing the creamy sauce while maintaining its tender texture. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried by tripling the amount for a more vibrant flavor in this gnocchi pot pie dish.

Pro Tips

Master the One-Pot Technique: The key to this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is proper layering of flavors. Always sear the chicken first until it’s golden but not fully cooked, then remove it from the pot while you build the sauce. This prevents the chicken from overcooking and ensures every bite remains tender. Return the chicken to the pot once your sauce is thickening for perfect integration of flavors.

Create the Perfect Sauce: For a silky-smooth sauce without lumps, gradually whisk the flour into the sautéed vegetables to create a roux before slowly adding the liquid components. Keep whisking constantly during this process. This technique prevents lumps and creates the velvety texture that makes this chicken gnocchi pot pie so irresistible.

Timing Is Everything with Gnocchi: Unlike traditional pasta, gnocchi cooks extremely quickly. Add it to the simmering sauce just 3-4 minutes before serving. If you add it too early, the gnocchi will become overly soft and might disintegrate into the sauce. Perfectly cooked gnocchi should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, creating that ideal textural contrast in your finished dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside but not completely cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates the base for your creamy sauce that makes this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie so comforting.

Step 4: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens further and the chicken is nearly cooked through.

Step 6: Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce, stirring gently to ensure each piece is coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi begins to float and becomes tender.

Step 7: Stir in frozen peas and cook for another minute just until heated through. Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving your delicious gnocchi chicken pot pie.

Variations

Vegetable Gnocchi Pot Pie: Create a vegetarian version of this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie by replacing the chicken with 2 cups of diced mushrooms (cremini or portobello work wonderfully) and 1 cup of diced zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a savory depth of flavor. The earthy mushrooms provide a meaty texture while keeping the dish completely plant-based.

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Pot Pie: For a more robust flavor profile, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of Italian sausage removed from its casing. The sausage adds a wonderful hint of fennel and pepper that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Consider adding a handful of baby spinach in the final step and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight heat that cuts through the richness of this twist on the classic chicken pot pie with gnocchi.

Seafood Gnocchi Pot Pie: Transform this comfort food classic by using a seafood medley instead of chicken. Combine 8 ounces of shrimp with 8 ounces of bay scallops, adding them during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. A splash of white wine in the sauce and a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning creates a coastal-inspired version of this one-pot meal.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Gently warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the gnocchi rubbery.

For freezing, cool the dish completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Serve this hearty gnocchi pot pie in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all the delicious components. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty piece of garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For an elevated presentation, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs and a few cracks of black pepper just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw it first; simply add it directly to the simmering sauce and allow an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time until the gnocchi floats to the top.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or additional whole milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For added creaminess without the cream, try stirring in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the gnocchi can absorb too much liquid when stored. If you need to prep ahead, prepare the sauce and chicken mixture without the gnocchi, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture, add the gnocchi, and cook until tender.

How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace the milk and cream with your favorite unsweetened plant-based alternatives like oat milk or coconut milk. The sauce may be slightly less thick, so consider increasing the flour by an additional tablespoon.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?
The classic mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) provides a traditional pot pie flavor, but you can add or substitute with bell peppers, green beans, corn, or parsnips. Just ensure harder vegetables are given enough time to cook through.

Conclusion

This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is comfort food at its finest — creamy, hearty, and brimming with familiar flavors that have been cleverly reimagined into a quicker, easier format. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, providing that warm, satisfying feeling that only the best comfort foods can deliver. Whether you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing family dinner or a cozy meal for a chilly evening, this one-pot wonder delivers all the nostalgic flavors of chicken pot pie with the pillowy delight of gnocchi. It proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.

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