Introduction
There’s something magical about comfort food that makes you feel cozy, full, and cared for—and when you take two favorites like creamy chicken pot pie and pillowy gnocchi and combine them in one pan, you get an unbeatable dinner: One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie. This dish brings together the rich, creamy filling of a classic chicken pot pie with the satisfying chew of potato gnocchi, all in one simple skillet. No pie crust required, no multiple dishes to clean, just pure comfort and flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re a weeknight warrior looking for a fast, hearty meal or a weekend cook craving something warm and indulgent, this one pot wonder hits all the marks. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the perfect one pot gnocchi chicken pot pie, from ingredients and variations to pro tips, storage ideas, and creative serving suggestions.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- One-pan convenience means easy cleanup
- Ready in under 40 minutes for a quick comfort food fix
- No pie crust hassle—just creamy, saucy goodness with gnocchi instead
- Customizable with seasonal veggies or leftover ingredients
- Crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love
Ingredients for One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy and cozy masterpiece:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half & half
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Flour
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to coat the vegetables and eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken
Stir in the gnocchi and shredded chicken. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until gnocchi are tender and start to float. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Stir in Peas and Cream
Add frozen peas and heavy cream. Simmer another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
What Makes This Dish Unique
- No crust needed: Unlike traditional pot pie, gnocchi becomes the starchy base.
- Faster cook time: No baking or dough required.
- One pot: Everything happens in one skillet—fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Creamy but not heavy: The use of broth and cream balances richness and lightness.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Mushroom Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions and carrots for an earthy flavor.
2. Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before adding the cream.
3. Gnocchi Turkey Pot Pie
Swap the chicken for leftover turkey—great after holidays!
4. Lighter Version
Use milk instead of cream, skip the butter, and add more broth for a lighter feel.
5. Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and use white beans or extra veggies with veggie broth.
Best Gnocchi for the Recipe
- Shelf-stable gnocchi: Found in pasta aisles, easy to store and use.
- Refrigerated/fresh gnocchi: Cooks faster and has a softer texture.
- Homemade gnocchi: Great for advanced cooks, but not required.
Tips for the Best One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they’ll get mushy if simmered too long.
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Add greens like spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
- Double the recipe and freeze half (before adding cream).
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
- Freeze without cream added for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight, reheat and stir in cream before serving.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to refresh texture.
What to Serve With It
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up extra sauce
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Apple cider or white wine for a cozy pairing
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Values vary depending on brands and substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, but you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
2. What if I don’t have cream?
Use milk or a mix of Greek yogurt and broth for a creamy texture.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and flour.
4. Can I bake this after cooking?
Yes! Top with breadcrumbs or cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—make the base ahead and add cream and gnocchi before serving.
6. What other veggies work?
Corn, spinach, kale, leeks, or zucchini are all great options.
7. Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Make a big batch and portion it into containers.
8. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, in a pinch, though freshly cooked or rotisserie has better flavor.
9. Can I add spice?
Try a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a flavor kick.
10. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add more broth or a splash of milk until desired consistency is reached.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie takes comfort food to a new level. It’s creamy, savory, satisfying, and shockingly easy to make. By swapping the traditional pie crust for gnocchi, you get that cozy pot pie flavor in a faster, fuss-free format—without sacrificing the indulgent vibe. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing main at a cozy gathering, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation—because when classic flavors meet modern convenience, magic happens in your kitchen.
PrintOne Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This one pot gnocchi chicken pot pie is creamy, hearty, and easy! A cozy, crustless twist on classic pot pie ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp salt (or to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken
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1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
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1 cup frozen peas
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2½ cups chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream or half & half
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2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Sauté veggies: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.
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Add seasoning & flour: Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour broth & simmer: Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let thicken slightly (about 5 minutes).
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Add gnocchi & chicken: Stir in shredded chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender.
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Finish with peas & cream: Add frozen peas and heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 more minutes.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
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Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
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Don’t overcook gnocchi—it only needs a few minutes to soften.
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Add spinach, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes