Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than a classic chicken pot pie? Although, let’s be honest, the thought of making a pie crust can be daunting on a busy weeknight. That’s why this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats is such a game-changer for dinner. It delivers all the cozy, creamy, vegetable-studded goodness you crave, but in a fraction of the time and with just one pot to wash. You get that incredible homemade flavor without any of the fuss, making it the perfect solution for a satisfying family meal.
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats is a brilliant and modern twist on a beloved American classic. Instead of a traditional pastry crust, it uses soft, pillowy potato gnocchi that cook right in the luxurious, creamy filling. As the gnocchi simmer, they release starches that naturally thicken the sauce, creating an incredibly rich and cohesive dish. The result is a deconstructed pot pie that is somehow even more comforting than the original. This recipe perfectly aligns with my mission to create easy weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor. It utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a single skillet, so you spend less time cooking and cleaning and more time enjoying the meal. It’s the kind of hearty, all-in-one dinner that makes everyone at the table happy, especially when you serve it with a side of my favorite quick side dishes like a simple arugula salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it solves the eternal weeknight dilemma. Even though we all want a hearty, home-cooked meal, we rarely have the energy for complicated steps. This one-pot wonder comes together so quickly, and I love that the gnocchi makes it feel special and indulgent. It’s the ultimate comfort food that truly delivers on flavor without keeping me tied to the kitchen sink for hours afterward. My entire family devours it every single time, which is always the best compliment.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats delivers a powerful nutritional punch because it starts with lean chicken breast. This provides excellent high-quality protein for muscle repair and maintenance. Since it’s packed with protein, it helps you feel full and satisfied for hours after eating. You also get a fantastic serving of vegetables like carrots and peas, so your body receives essential vitamins and fiber for good digestion.
Although it feels like a decadent comfort meal, this dish is a smarter choice. The gnocchi creates that beloved hearty texture, while the cooking method keeps added fats minimal. Furthermore, you benefit from immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin A from the carrots. One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats truly nourishes your body from the inside out, so you can enjoy a cozy classic without any nutritional guilt.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
This recipe perfectly supports a balanced diet by combining protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one dish. It fits wonderfully into a high-protein eating plan, thanks to the generous amount of chicken. For those managing their intake, it’s easy to practice portion control since it is so filling.
The one-pot nature of One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats makes it a champion of practical, healthy eating on busy weeknights. You can easily adapt it to your pantry by swapping in different frozen vegetables. For more ideas on creating well-rounded meals, explore our guide to building a balanced plate. This meal proves that convenience and nutrition can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
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One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Chicken Pot Pie filling meets Chicken & Dumplings in One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie! This ultra comforting recipe cooks in one pot in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 large or 2 small ribs celery (thinly sliced)
- 1 large shallot or small onion (chopped)
- homemade seasoned salt and pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- pinch dried thyme
- 3 Tablespoons gluten free flour (or AP flour if not GF)
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup milk (any kind, I use unsweetened almond milk)
- 12 oz package gluten free gnocchi
- 1–1/2 cups shredded chicken breast (~1/2lb pre-cooked)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Melt butter in pan then add carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots/onions. Saute until the mushrooms release their liquid and the liquid has evaporated, 3-4 minutes. Season with homemade seasoning salt and pepper then continue to saute, turning the heat down slightly if necessary, until vegetables are tender, another 6-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme then saute until garlic is very fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables then stir to coat and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps then add milk and turn heat up to medium-high. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then add gnocchi and stir combine. Turn heat down to medium then simmer, stirring frequently, until gnocchi are tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in chicken and peas then taste and add seasoned salt and/or pepper if necessary. Ladle into bowls then serve.
Notes
For best results, use pre-cooked chicken breast. Frozen peas should be added at the end to maintain their texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 467
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 1227
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, gather all your ingredients for the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats. This prep step saves time and prevents stress. Next, heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook it for one minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it thicken. Finally, stir the cooked chicken, frozen vegetables, and gnocchi into the creamy sauce. Top with crescent roll dough, brush with an egg wash, and bake until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.
I learned a few lessons the hard way with this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats. Initially, I rushed the roux, which resulted in a floury-tasting sauce. Now, I patiently cook the flour and butter mixture for a full minute. Furthermore, I once used a skillet that was not truly oven-safe, which created a disastrous mess. Always double-check your cookware’s temperature rating before baking. For more guidance on selecting the right tools, check out my essential kitchen tools for beginners guide. Also, if you love one-pot meals, you must try my creamy Tuscan chicken, which uses a similar technique.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
Imagine a chilly Midwestern evening where the wind whips across the plains, and the only logical response is to warm the kitchen with the soul-soothing aroma of a bubbling pot pie. This is the heartland heritage that inspired the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats. While classic chicken pot pie is a deeply American comfort food, often tracing its roots back to colonial times as a clever way to use up leftovers, this version takes a delightful Italian detour. Traditional recipes rely on a flaky pastry crust or buttery biscuits, but the genius of this particular dish is its use of pillowy potato gnocchi, which transforms the stew into a hearty, one-pot wonder.
Many families have thei
r own cherished version, often passed down through generations and served as a centerpiece during Sunday dinners or after holiday gatherings to repurpose turkey or ham. The beauty of the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats lies in its personal twist, blending the familiar creamy filling with the comforting chew of dumplings for a modern classic that feels both nostalgic and entirely new. It is a beautiful culinary mash-up that honors tradition while confidently carving its own path.How it fits in today’s cooking
This dish remains a superstar in modern kitchens because it perfectly aligns with our desire for cozy, satisfying meals that do not require a mountain of dirty dishes. It fits seamlessly into busy weeknight rotations, while also being special enough for a festive seasonal gathering. Contemporary home cooks constantly reimagine it, perhaps by swapping in a rotisserie chicken for even faster prep or loading it up with extra vegetables from the crisper drawer.
You can easily adapt the base recipe to fit various dietary needs, making it a versatile option for many families. For a lighter take that does not skimp on flavor, you might draw inspiration from our collection of healthy chicken recipes. Furthermore, if you find yourself with leftover cooked chicken, this pot pie is the ultimate destination, much like the creative ideas you will find in our guide for leftover chicken recipes. Ultimately, this one-pot wonder continues to earn its place on our tables because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats delivers a deeply comforting and savory experience from the very first bite. The flavor profile is rich and hearty because it features a creamy, herb-infused sauce that coats every morsel. You will immediately notice the tender, pull-apart chicken and the soft, chewy potato gnocchi that soak up the delicious broth. Furthermore, the aromatic base of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery provides a sweet and earthy foundation. A generous amount of thyme and black pepper adds a warm, fragrant complexity. The texture is an incredible play of contrasts so the gnocchi becomes delightfully pillowy and soft when simmered. Even though the dish is wonderfully creamy, it also features satisfying bites of firm vegetables and succulent chicken. The overall sensation is one of ultimate comfort, reminiscent of a classic pot pie but with the fantastic, airy texture of gnocchi. This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats truly is a hug in a bowl. It offers a smell that will draw your entire family to the dinner table with its promise of a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate this already fantastic dish with a few simple tweaks. Although the original recipe is perfect, consider swapping the standard gnocchi for a whole wheat or spinach variety. This swap adds a subtle nutty flavor and a pop of color. For an extra layer of savory depth, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese makes the sauce incredibly luxurious. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes provides a welcome kick that cuts through the richness. Topping your bowl with something crisp introduces a fantastic textural contrast. Buttery homemade croutons or even some fried shallots work wonderfully. Finally, serving it alongside a bright, simple side salad balances the meal perfectly. For more inspiration on creating the perfect easy dinner, explore our favorite one pot wonders. You can also discover new ways to use your favorite ingredients in our guide to comfort food upgrades.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – Iowa Girl Eats, because it will distribute heat evenly and prevent the creamy sauce from scorching. Furthermore, be sure to use a quality, store-bought rotisserie chicken for the most flavorful and convenient results, although you can also use leftover cooked chicken. Finally, do not stir the dish once you have added the gnocchi, so they can properly steam and become tender without falling apart.
Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is rushing the initial step of cooking the vegetables, which results in a crunchy texture instead of a soft, flavorful base. Although you may be tempted to move quickly, take the time to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are truly softened. Another error is using frozen gnocchi without thawing them first, because they will release too much excess water and make your sauce thin; for a perfectly thick and creamy sauce, always use shelf-stable gnocchi. If you are unsure about your sauce-thickening technique, our guide on how to thicken stew offers excellent foundational advice. Moreover, avoid overcooking the dish after adding the peas, since they will become mushy; instead, stir them in at the very end just to heat through, a technique perfectly illustrated in our creamy chicken and peas recipe.
