Some nights, you want a comforting meal that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this One-Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie comes in.

It combines the creamy, cozy flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi — all cooked in a single pot. And here’s why that matters: fewer dishes, less cleanup, and the same rich, hearty flavor you love.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by making a traditional pot pie, this recipe solves that problem. Instead of rolling pastry dough and worrying about baking times, everything simmers together in one pot.

You’ll end up with a creamy sauce that clings to tender chunks of chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi. By the end, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even feeding a small crowd.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through everything — from picking the right gnocchi to tips for creamy sauce consistency, adding veggies, and even storing leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this one-pot comfort meal:

For the Chicken & Veggies:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they’re lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside. Cooking it partially now ensures it finishes perfectly in the sauce later.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the onions are translucent and the veggies begin to soften, about 5–7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the vegetables. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add paprika, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

4. Combine Chicken & Gnocchi

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to coat with the creamy sauce. Add the gnocchi and frozen peas. Stir gently to combine, then cover and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.

5. Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie

1. Choose the right gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi works best, but store-bought will still give soft, pillowy results. Avoid pre-cooked gnocchi that may become mushy.
2. Creaminess matters: Use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream for a richer sauce.
3. Add extra flavor: A splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can deepen the sauce’s flavor.
4. Veggie variations: Swap peas for green beans or broccoli for a change in texture and color.
5. Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour in the roux and ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free.
6. Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The one-pot method ensures the chicken absorbs the sauce while the gnocchi cooks perfectly in the creamy base. The combination of tender vegetables, cheesy sauce, and soft gnocchi makes every bite comforting and satisfying. You also save time — no separate boiling or baking required — making this perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in extra shredded mozzarella or cheddar before adding gnocchi.
• Herb-forward: Fresh rosemary or sage can add a cozy, aromatic flavor.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping
• Roasted vegetables for extra fiber
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water for adults

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine with gnocchi when ready to cook.

Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi if possible, as it can become mushy. Freeze the chicken and sauce, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

Q3: Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the chicken and vegetables first, then combine with sauce and gnocchi in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2–3 hours until gnocchi is tender.

Q4: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or leave it out. The sauce will still be creamy, but the flavor will be slightly less rich.

Q5: Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with roasted or grilled chicken. Just reduce cooking time since the chicken is already cooked.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is an easy, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. Soft gnocchi, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a casual gathering.

By keeping it in one pot, you minimize cleanup without compromising on flavor. Plus, the recipe is versatile — feel free to add different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to suit your taste. This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Emma

I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!