If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that comes together with minimal fuss yet bursts with flavor, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with pillowy gnocchi and vibrant mixed vegetables all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that’s been infused with fragrant herbs. This dish takes the essence of a traditional pot pie and elevates it with the light, fluffy gnocchi replacing the usual crust, making every bite feel like a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe is simplicity and comfort married into one unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference, and this recipe keeps it simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of texture and taste—from the savory chicken to the soft gnocchi, hearty vegetables, and creamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and adding subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to translucent perfection.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that brightens the whole dish.
- Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Provides vibrant color, nutrition, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal note that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney aroma that rounds out the herbaceous flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the sauce into that irresistibly creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory, comforting base for the sauce with a depth that canned or boxed broths deliver.
- Heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess that elevates the chicken pot pie experience.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that replace the traditional pot pie crust with an irresistible chew.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving a subtle savory tang and richness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A burst of herbal freshness that brightens the final dish.
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because browning not only locks in flavor but creates a gorgeous golden crust that enriches the entire dish. Once done, set the chicken aside, allowing the pot to capture all those delicious browned bits.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, approximately 3 minutes. This gentle cooking softens the onion’s sharpness and blends the garlic’s aroma into the base, setting up a flavor foundation that builds complexity as we go along.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Now stir in your mixed vegetables along with dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs bring out the warmth and earthiness in the dish, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the peas, carrots, and corn. Cook everything for another 3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle.
Step 4: Sprinkle and Cook Flour
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetable-herb mixture and stir to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cooking this for 1 minute eliminates any raw flour taste and begins the thickening magic that transforms the liquid into a creamy, velvety sauce.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the dish starts to come together, turning into that luscious comfort food you’re craving.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Gnocchi
Pour in the heavy cream and add your potato gnocchi directly to the pot. Bring it back to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until the gnocchi become tender and perfectly cooked. The gnocchi absorb the creamy sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Add Cheese
Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the pot, stirring everything together. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes so the cheese melts beautifully, enhancing the dish with a subtle nuttiness and smooth texture.
Step 8: Season and Garnish
Finish the dish by seasoning with extra salt and pepper to your liking. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top for a fresh, bright touch. Now your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. Add a little freshly ground black pepper on top for an earthy aroma right at serving, enhancing the experience with visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic roasted asparagus, adding different textures and freshness that balance out the creamy main. A simple crusty bread or garlic knots are also fabulous for sopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this delicious pot pie straight from the pot or ladle into warm ramekins for individual servings. Garnishing each with a parmesan crisp or even a drizzle of truffle oil adds an elegant touch that impresses without complicating the cooking process.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more upon resting, making the next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the cream and gnocchi to preserve the texture. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the last steps to bring the dish back to life.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving directly when possible to maintain the creamy texture and evenly warm the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work just as well and make this recipe even more convenient. Just be sure to defrost them slightly and drain any excess water to keep the sauce from becoming too thin.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a small amount of cream cheese or a roux with butter might help maintain thickness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The herbs and gnocchi will still create a comforting, satisfying dish.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi are ideal for this recipe due to their tender texture and subtle flavor. However, store-bought or homemade gnocchi made with ricotta can also be delicious alternatives.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic or sprinkle chili powder into the broth. Even a dash of hot sauce served alongside will give it a wonderful kick.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm, homemade hug with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is your go-to. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. So grab your skillet and dive in—this is one recipe that’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Made entirely in one pot, this recipe saves time on cleanup while delivering a satisfying homemade pot pie experience without the crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and full of classic cozy flavors.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Add the mixed vegetables, dried thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add chicken broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and add the gnocchi to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Season and garnish: Season the dish with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables depending on availability and preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If gnocchi are not available, small pasta like mini shells or ditalini can be used as alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
