If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish to serve on a chilly evening, One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a perfect solution. This recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken pot pie with the comforting texture of gnocchi, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this one-pot wonder will become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so delightful and how to prepare it!
Why You’ll Love One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to juggling multiple pans. This dish is made in a single pot, simplifying the cooking process and reducing cleanup time.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, rich filling paired with tender gnocchi makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional pot pies that involve making pie crust from scratch, this recipe uses pre-cooked gnocchi, cutting down on preparation time significantly.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for families, as the flavors appeal to both adults and kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) frozen peas
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Create the Creamy Base
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in the thyme and parsley for added flavor.
3. Add the Gnocchi and Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the frozen peas.
- Add the gnocchi and stir to combine. Allow the dish to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
4. Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and stir in the butter for a richer flavor. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and black pepper.
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal straight from the pot!
Tips for the Best One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Customize with Your Favorite Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the richness.
- Add a Crunch: Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for a few minutes for a crispy, golden finish.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Season
While this dish is undoubtedly comforting in the colder months, it’s also a great option for a quick dinner any time of the year. The combination of creamy chicken, hearty gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables can satisfy your cravings and provide essential nutrients. Plus, the simplicity of the one-pot method means that you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is the epitome of a comforting, hassle-free meal. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can create a dish that feels special and satisfying. Try it out and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your family’s dinner repertoire!
FAQs for One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
1. Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi in this recipe! Just make sure to cook the gnocchi according to your preferred method before adding them to the pot, as homemade gnocchi may have a different cooking time than store-bought. This will ensure they stay tender and don’t get overcooked during the simmering process.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use diced turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cubed tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure that the protein you choose is fully cooked before adding it to the pot to save on cooking time.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly! You can freeze the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream if needed.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary to keep it creamy and moist.
PrintOne Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables in a rich pot pie-inspired sauce. It’s all made in one pot, making it perfect for a cozy, fuss-free dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (300 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and seasonings:
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the vegetables thaw slightly.
- Create the creamy base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream or milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the gnocchi and chicken:
- Stir in the gnocchi and cooked chicken. Let everything simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate the cheese:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy this creamy, hearty dish as-is or with a side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make it lighter: Use milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
- Add a crusty topping: For a more pot pie-like experience, top with biscuit dough or puff pastry and bake in the oven until golden.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.