If you’re craving all the creamy, comforting goodness of chicken pot pie but don’t want to deal with a crust or a long list of dishes, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is the shortcut your dinner routine needs. This stovetop version brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy, herb-infused broth—all in just one pot and about 35 minutes.
It’s everything you love about classic pot pie filling but simplified and elevated with gnocchi taking the place of pie crust or biscuits. The result? A warm, thick, and savory dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for an easy weeknight comfort meal, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again.
The best part? No baking required. It’s all done on the stovetop in one skillet or Dutch oven, which means fewer dishes and less fuss without sacrificing flavor.
Let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that make this hearty meal come together fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves 4 to 6, and it’s easy to double if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day.
STEP 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to turn golden.
STEP 2: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the flour, stirring until all the vegetables are coated. This step helps thicken the sauce later and gives it that creamy, pot pie–like texture.
Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Simmering, Stirring, and Bringing It All Together
Once the vegetables are coated with flour and the flavors are beginning to build, it’s time to create that rich, creamy base that makes this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie so satisfying. This part comes together quickly and really brings out the cozy, hearty feel of a traditional pot pie—but without the extra effort of a crust or baking time.
STEP 3: Add the Broth and Milk
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to help deglaze the pan and pick up all the browned bits at the bottom. Then add the milk or half-and-half, continuing to stir until everything is combined.
Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly. The flour you added earlier will help create that creamy, stew-like consistency you expect from a classic pot pie filling.
STEP 4: Add the Gnocchi
Once the broth is slightly thickened, stir in the potato gnocchi. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the gnocchi from sticking.
You’ll know the gnocchi is done when it’s tender and slightly puffed, and the sauce has thickened into a rich, creamy texture. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash more broth or milk to loosen it to your liking.
STEP 5: Add Chicken and Peas
Now stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the peas are heated through and the chicken is warmed.
This is the point where the pot pie magic really happens—chunks of tender chicken, soft vegetables, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, savory sauce all in one comforting bite.
STEP 6: Stir in Cheese and Garnish
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now. It adds a touch of salty richness that deepens the flavor of the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bit of brightness and color.
Serve this dish hot, straight from the pot, with a spoon or ladle for easy serving. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need sides or extras—just bowls and happy eaters.
Tips for Creamy Gnocchi Pot Pie Success:
1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Speed
Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken works perfectly here and cuts down your cook time significantly.
2. Keep an Eye on the Gnocchi
Different brands cook a bit differently. Start checking for doneness at the 6-minute mark. You want them soft and pillowy but not mushy.
3. Don’t Skip the Flour Step
It’s essential for thickening the sauce and getting that classic pot pie creaminess. Just cook it for a minute or two before adding liquid to avoid a floury taste.
4. Customize Your Veggies
No peas? No problem. Swap in frozen green beans, corn, or even chopped spinach at the end for flexibility based on what you have.
STEP 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is hot, creamy, and well combined, it’s time to dig in. Scoop generous portions of the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie straight from the skillet or Dutch oven into serving bowls. The gnocchi will be tender, the vegetables soft, and the sauce perfectly thick and comforting—just like the inside of a classic chicken pot pie.
For extra flavor and a bit of freshness, you can top each bowl with a little more Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you want to round out the meal, this dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
It’s cozy, hearty, and everything you want from comfort food—without the fuss.
Fun Variations to Try:
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is comforting, hearty, and satisfying all on its own—but if you like to mix things up or tailor your meals to what you’ve got in the fridge, there are plenty of easy variations you can try. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap the protein, or change up the flavor profile, here are some delicious ways to keep things interesting:
1. Use Rotisserie or Leftover Turkey
Instead of cooked chicken breast, try using rotisserie chicken or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It’s a great way to cut down prep time and repurpose leftovers into something new and cozy.
2. Add Mushrooms for Extra Umami
Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the onions and carrots at the beginning for a deeper, earthier flavor. They complement the creamy sauce beautifully and stretch the recipe even further.
3. Try a Different Protein
Switch things up by using:
- Ground chicken or turkey, cooked and crumbled before adding the gnocchi
- Cooked Italian sausage, for a heartier, spiced version
- White beans for a vegetarian-friendly source of protein
4. Swap the Gnocchi for Pasta or Biscuits
If you’re out of gnocchi, you can use small pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust cooking time and liquid as needed. Want to keep it extra rustic? Bake some biscuit dough on top after cooking the filling, for a more traditional pot pie vibe.
5. Add Leafy Greens
Toss in a couple handfuls of fresh baby spinach or kale right before serving. It’ll wilt perfectly into the hot sauce and add a boost of color and nutrition.
6. Make It Spicy
For a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce while the sauce simmers. It pairs surprisingly well with the creamy texture.
7. Use a Non-Dairy Option
Substitute the milk and Parmesan cheese with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and a bit of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still has richness and flavor.
Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with one of these variations, this one pot recipe is designed to be flexible. It’s the kind of dish you can make your own, depending on what’s in your kitchen—or your cravings that day.
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie FAQ and Final Thoughts:
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie brings all the cozy flavors of a classic comfort dish into a quick, weeknight-friendly format—no crust, no oven, and no separate pans required. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a satisfying way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe is both flexible and foolproof.
Before you serve it up, here are some frequently asked questions and tips to help make your pot pie gnocchi as delicious as possible every time.
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well—no need to thaw it first. Just add it straight to the pot and simmer a few extra minutes until tender.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. If you do freeze it, cool it completely and freeze in individual portions for easier reheating. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
4. What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for canned white beans, chopped mushrooms, or extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free gnocchi (which are widely available), and substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes—it’s creamy, mild, and loaded with familiar flavors and textures. If you’re serving picky eaters, you can finely chop or blend the veggies into the sauce for a smoother finish.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger pot or Dutch oven and simply double all the ingredients. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the week.
Conclusion: A No-Fuss Comfort Classic for Any Night of the Week
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, hearty, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and that creamy, veggie-packed sauce, it captures everything we love about pot pie, without the hassle of crust or baking.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many variations, this one pot wonder is sure to become a go-to for cozy dinners year-round. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for company, and comforting enough to make on repeat.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to bookmark or share your version—comfort food this easy is meant to be passed around.
