There’s something undeniably magical about a warm, creamy pot pie on a chilly evening—especially the kind made from scratch, simmering gently on the stove, and filling the home with the nostalgic aroma of butter, thyme, and tender vegetables. But as wonderful as classic pot pie is, it does come with one small challenge: the time and effort it takes to prepare. That’s where this recipe steps in like a hero.
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie takes everything you love about the traditional dish and transforms it into an easy, modern, one-pot wonder. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi replacing pie crust, soaking up a luxurious gravy loaded with vegetables, shredded chicken, and herbs. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in a fraction of the time of its classic counterpart.
This dish fits beautifully into busy weeknights while still giving you the “slow-cooked comfort” experience. Even better, it’s flexible—gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable to your preferences. Whether you serve it on its own or with warm crusty bread, it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy culinary hug.
Let’s bring this soul-soothing dish to life in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a creamy, skillet-style version of classic chicken pot pie, made with tender gnocchi instead of a crust. It combines sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, savory broth, milk, and herbs into a rich and velvety dish—all cooked conveniently in a single pot. Easy cleanup, big flavor, and comforting texture make it perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients & Instructions
This recipe comes together smoothly, and because it’s all cooked in one pot, the flavors meld beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large or 2 small celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- Seasoned salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Pinch dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup milk (any kind—dairy or non-dairy)
- 12 oz gluten-free gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup frozen peas
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the butter, letting it melt and coat the bottom of the pot.
Add the carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots. Sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and it evaporates. This step deepens the flavor and ensures your vegetables caramelize rather than steam.
Season with seasoned salt and pepper, then continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Tip: Don’t rush this stage. Properly sautéing the vegetables builds the dish’s entire flavor foundation.
2. Add Aromatics
Add the garlic, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of thyme. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
This is where your kitchen starts to smell delicious.
3. Create the Velvety Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. This forms the roux, the thickening base of your sauce. Let it cook for about a minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk and increase the heat slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally as it thickens into a glossy, creamy sauce.
Tip: If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash more broth or milk.
4. Add the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium and let the gnocchi simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
As the gnocchi cook, they soften and release starch, which thickens the sauce even more—giving this dish its classic “pot pie” texture without the crust.
5. Finish with Chicken and Peas
Once the gnocchi are tender (usually about 5–7 minutes), stir in the shredded chicken and peas. The heat from the dish warms them through quickly.
Taste, adjust your seasoning, and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness.
Cooking Tips & Variations
This dish is wonderfully adaptable. Here’s how to make it your own—or make it even better:
1. Add More Vegetables
This recipe welcomes additions like:
- Diced potatoes
- Baby spinach
- Sweet corn
- Green beans
- Diced red pepper
Keep the overall ratios balanced so it remains creamy, not crowded.
2. Swap the Protein
Instead of chicken, try:
- Leftover turkey (perfect for holidays!)
- Rotisserie chicken
- Plant-based chicken alternatives
- Cooked ground turkey or chicken
3. Change the Herbs
Classic poultry flavors work great, but you can shift the profile:
- Add fresh parsley for brightness
- Swap thyme for rosemary
- Add a bay leaf while simmering
- Try Italian seasoning for a slightly different vibe
4. Make It Dairy-Free
Use:
- Vegan butter
- Almond, oat, or coconut milk
- A splash of canned coconut milk for extra richness
The result is still creamy and satisfying.
5. Use Shelf-Stable Gnocchi
Gluten-free or regular gnocchi both work wonderfully. Shelf-stable or refrigerated versions cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully.
6. Thicken or Thin the Sauce
For a thicker sauce:
- Simmer longer
- Add an extra teaspoon of flour when making the roux
For a thinner sauce:
- Add a splash of milk or broth until desired consistency
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Gnocchi doesn’t freeze well once cooked, so freezing isn’t recommended for this dish.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Serving Ideas
This dish is rich, so it pairs nicely with lighter sides such as:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Fresh fruit on the side
Or enjoy it completely on its own—it’s enough to be a full, satisfying meal.
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a modern twist on a beloved classic, giving you all the creamy comfort of pot pie without the fuss of rolling dough or baking crust. With tender vegetables, soft gnocchi, savory herbs, and shredded chicken, it’s the perfect one-pot solution for nights when you crave warmth and home-style goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s easy, flexible, full of flavor, and sure to become a cozy favorite in your rotation. Ready to enjoy your next bowl of pure comfort—what variation are you thinking of trying first?
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for chickpeas or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.
2. Can I use regular gnocchi instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely—the recipe works with any type of gnocchi.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour during the roux stage.
4. Can I prep this ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can chop veggies and shred chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking.
5. Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in shredded Parmesan or cheddar for an even richer sauce.
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a creamy, cozy one-pot meal packed with vegetables, chicken, gnocchi, and savory herbs. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights.
