There’s something magical about a dish that feels like a warm hug—especially on a chilly evening or after a long, demanding day. Classic chicken pot pie is one of those timeless comfort meals that fills both the belly and the soul. But let’s be honest: making a traditional pot pie from scratch takes time. Between prepping the filling, rolling out dough, and baking until golden, it’s not always weeknight-friendly.
That’s where this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie comes in. It captures the creamy, cozy, savory essence of pot pie—without the work. Instead of pie crust, it uses pillowy gnocchi that cook right in the flavorful broth. No baking, no juggling pans, and absolutely no fuss. Everything simmers together in one pot, creating a silky, comforting dish loaded with tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and soft gnocchi that mimic the texture of dumplings.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want something hearty and warming, this one-pot version delivers all the flavor and nostalgia of pot pie in a fraction of the time. It’s comfort food simplified—and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Recipe Overview
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie transforms the classic flavors of pot pie into a quick stovetop meal. Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and onions are sautéed in butter, then simmered with broth, milk, gnocchi, chicken, and peas to create a creamy, hearty one-pot dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or when you want comfort fast.
Ingredients & Instructions
Below is a complete breakdown of all the ingredients plus tips to help you get the best flavor and texture.
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 & pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Pinch dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose)
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup milk, any kind
- 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 large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and it fully evaporates.
Season generously with seasoned salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the vegetables soften. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so give it time.
Tip: Want deeper flavor? Let the mushrooms brown slightly before stirring.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices
Stir in the garlic, poultry seasoning, and thyme. Cook for 30–60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is when the kitchen starts to smell amazing—like a classic pot pie coming to life.
3. Create the Creamy Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the milk, increase heat, and bring the mixture to a simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken into a creamy pot-pie-style gravy.
Tip: If you prefer a richer sauce, swap half the milk for half-and-half.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
Once the mixture simmers, add the gnocchi and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer gently, stirring often to prevent sticking.
The gnocchi will thicken the sauce as they cook and soften, giving the dish its signature pot-pie creaminess. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes.
5. Add Chicken and Peas
Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Let the mixture warm through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or a dash of poultry seasoning if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy a pot pie reinvented into the easiest one-pot meal you’ll ever make.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Boost the Creaminess
- Add a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end for extra richness.
- A tablespoon of cream cheese stirred in at the finish adds luxurious silkiness.
Make It Vegetarian
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Replace chicken with white beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk to keep it plant-forward.
Add Herbs for Freshness
- Stir in fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish.
Try Different Gnocchi
- Cauliflower gnocchi works beautifully.
- Potato gnocchi creates that classic dumpling-like texture.
Add More Vegetables
This dish is flexible—try:
- diced potatoes
- chopped spinach or kale
- corn
- parsnips
- leeks
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Gnocchi doesn’t freeze well in sauce, so freezing is not recommended for this one.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy gravy.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth.
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It brings together all the nostalgic flavors of a classic pot pie—creamy sauce, tender vegetables, hearty chicken—but with a modern, convenient twist. Everything comes together in one pot, making it the perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. The next time you’re craving comfort, skip the crust and grab the gnocchi—you won’t regret it.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s actually ideal for this recipe. Shredded rotisserie chicken blends in perfectly.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan butter, almond milk, and gluten-free gnocchi for a fully dairy-free version.
3. Can I add a crust to make it more like pot pie?
You can! Bake puff pastry squares separately and place one on top of each serving.
4. What if my sauce gets too thick?
Stir in a splash of broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Yes—shelf-stable, refrigerated, and gluten-free gnocchi all work perfectly.
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie delivers classic pot pie comfort with a simple stovetop twist. Creamy, hearty, and ready in one pot—perfect for busy nights!