Here's a recipe for One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie that combines creamy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a flaky pie crust in one pot. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make your own variations.
**Ingredients:**
For the chicken and gnocchi mixture:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 package gnocchi (8 ounces)
For the pie crust:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 cup ice water
**Optional ingredients for variations:**
* Bacon or pancetta for added smokiness
* Diced bell peppers for a pop of color
* Chopped spinach for an extra boost of nutrients
* Feta cheese for a tangy twist
* Other herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage for different flavor profiles
* Different types of mushrooms, such as porcini or oyster mushrooms
* Goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the chicken and gnocchi mixture:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
* Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
* Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
* Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
* Return the chicken to the pot and add the gnocchi. Cook, covered, over low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened.
2. **Make the pie crust:**
* In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
* Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Gradually add the ice water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
3. **Assemble the pot pie:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
* Place the rolled-out pie crust over the chicken and gnocchi mixture, tucking the edges of the crust under the rim of the pot as you go.
* Crimp the edges of the crust to seal the pot pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. **Bake the pot pie:**
* Place the pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
5. **Serve:**
* Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.
**Tips for making a tastier One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie:**
* Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken and gnocchi.
* Don't overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy and unpleasant.
* Use a mixture of mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
* Don't be shy with the cream and chicken broth – a rich sauce is essential for a great pot pie.
* Use a combination of herbs and spices to add depth to the filling.
* If you're using bacon or pancetta, cook it separately until crispy and crumble it into the filling for added smokiness.
* Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for added flavor.
* For a crisper crust, chill the pie pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
**Variation ideas:**
* Mediterranean version: Add feta cheese, chopped olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
* Italian-style version: Add chopped bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the filling, and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
* Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.
* Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
* Goat cheese version: Replace the chicken with goat cheese and top with a mixture of crumbled goat cheese, chopped herbs, and a drizzle of honey.