Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie recipe. Bursting with flavor and warmth, this dish combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and fluffy gnocchi in a creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 4 Tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large or 2 small stalks 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 (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup milk (any kind, such as unsweetened almond milk)
- 12 oz package gluten-free gnocchi
- 1-½ cups shredded chicken breast (~1/2lb pre-cooked)
- ½ cup frozen peas
Directions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add carrots, mushrooms, celery, and shallots/onions. Sauté until vegetables are tender and mushrooms release their liquid, about 6-7 minutes. Season with homemade seasoning salt and pepper.
- Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, poultry seasoning, and dried thyme. Sauté until garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add milk and bring the mixture to a bubble over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in gnocchi and reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring frequently, until gnocchi are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Final Touches: Stir in shredded chicken and peas. Adjust seasoning with seasoned salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie into bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: [calories will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes]
Serving and Storage Tips:
1. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie piping hot, straight from the stove, for the best taste and texture.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
- Accompany the dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
2. Storage Guidelines:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, reheat the pot pie on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Note that gnocchi may continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a bit of extra broth or milk when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
3. Freezing Tips:
- While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover portions for future meals.
- Allow the pot pie to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
- For best results, portion the pot pie into individual servings for easy reheating later.
- Label the containers with the date and contents, then store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the pot pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using your preferred method.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Option:
- For a meat-free version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
- Consider incorporating vegetarian protein sources like cooked chickpeas or tofu for added texture and protein.
2. Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi:
- Swap the chicken for extra mushrooms or use a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.
- Increase the amount of garlic and add a splash of white wine to enhance the mushroom flavor.
- Finish the dish with a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.
3. Italian-Inspired Gnocchi:
- Infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers.
- Use Italian seasoning blend instead of poultry seasoning and dried basil or oregano for added aroma.
- Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
4. Spicy Gnocchi Pot Pie:
- Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the dish.
- Experiment with different hot sauces or chili pastes to customize the spice level to your liking.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions and a squeeze of lime juice to balance the heat with a refreshing citrusy flavor.
5. Gourmet Gnocchi Pot Pie:
- Elevate the dish with gourmet ingredients such as wild mushrooms, truffle paste, or pancetta.
- Use a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth for an even richer and creamier sauce.
- Finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese for a sophisticated touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour if you don’t have dietary restrictions. The measurements remain the same.
2. Is it necessary to use homemade seasoned salt, or can I use store-bought seasoning?
- While homemade seasoned salt adds a unique flavor, you can certainly use store-bought seasoned salt or your favorite seasoning blend as a substitute.
3. Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of gluten-free gnocchi?
- Absolutely! If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, feel free to use regular gnocchi instead of gluten-free gnocchi. Adjust cooking times as needed.
4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables or vegetarian protein sources to enhance the flavor and texture.
5. Can I freeze leftovers of this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers for future meals. Allow the pot pie to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Label with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
6. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli would all be great additions or substitutions.
7. How do I reheat the leftovers?
- To reheat, thaw the pot pie overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain the desired consistency.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
- Yes, you can prepare the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, gnocchi can absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add a bit of extra broth or milk when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
9. What can I serve with this pot pie to make it a complete meal?
- This pot pie is quite hearty on its own but pairs well with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
10. Can I make this dish spicy?
- Yes, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to add a kick of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference, and consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for balance.
With its delicious blend of flavors and simple one-pot preparation, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish offers both convenience and satisfaction. Enjoy the hearty goodness of chicken pot pie with a delightful twist in every bite!