If you love cozy comfort food but want something faster and simpler, Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner is the perfect solution. This recipe delivers all the creamy, savory flavors of classic chicken pot pie without the crust and without extra dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner
This dish combines tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce loaded with vegetables. It tastes indulgent but comes together in about 30 minutes. Since there is no pastry involved, it is less fussy than traditional pot pie while still giving you that familiar comfort food feeling.
It is also a great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken. The recipe is flexible, family-friendly, and easy to adapt with the vegetables and seasonings you already have on hand.
Ingredients for Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Sauce and Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 12 ounces shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Ingredient Notes
Milk creates a creamy sauce without making the dish heavy. You can use whole milk or 2 percent. Unsweetened almond or oat milk also works for a dairy-light option.
If mushrooms are not your favorite, you can leave them out and add extra carrots or peas instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, mushrooms, celery, and onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Season and Thicken
Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This step removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the milk and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the pot. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Peas
Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use pre-cooked chicken to keep this a quick weeknight meal.
- Stir frequently once the gnocchi are added to prevent sticking.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to avoid scorching the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.
- Season gradually and taste at the end for best flavor balance.
Flavor Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle depth.
- Stir in fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.
- Swap peas for corn or green beans.
- Add a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed and thicken with cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner is filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
For a lighter plate, serve smaller portions alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen if needed. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
FAQ About Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply remove the skin and shred or dice the meat before adding it to the pot.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is ideal for this recipe. Refrigerated gnocchi also works but may cook a bit faster.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a little broth when reheating.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting. It is a great way to serve vegetables in a creamy, familiar dish.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in additional broth or milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner
Equipment
- large pot or deep skillet
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 12 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, mushrooms, celery, and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season vegetables with poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, then add milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add gnocchi directly to the pot and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until tender and floating.
- Stir in cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cook 2–3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy One Pot Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie Dinner is the kind of recipe that brings comfort without complication. It is warm, creamy, and satisfying while still being practical for real-life schedules. With just one pot and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.
