Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – a creamy, comforting twist on the classic that’s ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe combines tender gnocchi with all the beloved flavors of traditional chicken pot pie, creating a satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The pillowy gnocchi perfectly replaces traditional pie crust while soaking up all the rich, savory flavors. You’ll appreciate how this recipe streamlines the classic pot pie experience – no rolling dough, no separate baking dish, and definitely no lengthy prep time. The creamy sauce brings together tender vegetables, seasoned chicken, and herbs in perfect harmony, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and homemade. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets without sacrificing any of the incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large or 2 small ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- Homemade seasoned salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Pinch of dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour if not GF)
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup milk (any kind; unsweetened almond milk works great)
- 12 oz package gluten-free gnocchi
- 1½ cups shredded chicken breast (~½ lb pre-cooked)
- ½ cup frozen peas
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Heat butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallot. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base Add minced garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until aromatic. This step ensures the spices bloom properly and infuse maximum flavor into your dish.
Step 3: Create the Roux Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce and prevent lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually Slowly pour in chicken stock while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken within 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Chicken Stir in the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed much of the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve Add frozen peas during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. The dish is ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the gnocchi are perfectly tender.
Helpful Tips:
Choose the Right Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi works best for this recipe as it holds its shape better during simmering. Fresh gnocchi can become too soft and break apart.
Pre-cook Your Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use leftover grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Control the Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. Carrots should be sliced thin since they take longest to cook.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour-butter mixture is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy consistency without grittiness.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Diet: Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free
Notes:
Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe works beautifully with gluten-free flour and gnocchi. Make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well). The consistency remains perfectly creamy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when rewarming as the gnocchi continue to absorb liquid.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like diced potatoes, corn kernels, or green beans based on your preferences or what you have available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable? A: Yes, but reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes as fresh gnocchi cooks faster and can become mushy if overcooked.
Q: What if I don’t have poultry seasoning? A: Make your own by combining ½ teaspoon dried sage, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram, and a pinch of black pepper.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers keep well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. The gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
Q: How can I make this recipe heartier? A: Add diced potatoes with the other vegetables, or increase the amount of chicken to 2 cups for a more protein-rich meal.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding chicken broth or milk as needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The dish will thicken as it cools, so when reheating, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with additional liquid as needed.
Related Recipes:
Looking for more comforting one-pot meals? Try these delicious recipes from Run of Life:
- Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Hearty Chicken and Dumplings
- Easy Skillet Chicken Alfredo
- One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Conclusion:
This Ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining the beloved flavors of traditional chicken pot pie with the convenience of tender gnocchi, you get all the satisfaction in half the time. The creamy, herb-infused sauce brings together every ingredient beautifully, while the one-pot method means minimal cleanup – a win-win for any home cook.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy meal to warm you up, this recipe delivers on both comfort and convenience. The flexibility to adapt it for various dietary needs makes it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Give this Ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie a try, and discover your new favorite way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken pot pie with a delicious twist.