There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, cozy goodness, and this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is exactly that. Imagine tender bites of chicken, pillowy soft gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite—pure comfort food magic.
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This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy enough for a casual dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Ultra Comforting: Rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying—this dish is pure comfort in a bowl.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort!
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients in Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
This dish is packed with simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy, and packed with protein. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up all that creamy sauce.
Garlic & Onion: The flavor foundation—adds depth and aroma.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Chicken Broth: Adds extra flavor while keeping the sauce from being too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce a savory, umami-packed boost.
Spinach (Optional): A pop of color and a dose of nutrients.
Butter & Olive Oil: For a rich, well-balanced flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste.
Salt & Pepper: To bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more butter and sauté the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Add the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors while becoming soft and tender.
Bring It All Together: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, along with Parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Alongside a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad balances out the richness of the dish.
With Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and nutrients.
On Its Own: Honestly, this dish is hearty enough to stand alone—it’s that satisfying!
Additional Tips
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.
Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap some of the cream for extra broth.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to suit dietary needs.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Yes! Just add it straight to the pan—it may take an extra minute or two to cook.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, but it’s best fresh! If making ahead, reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not ideal for freezing, as the sauce can separate. However, you can freeze just the cooked chicken and gnocchi, then add fresh sauce when reheating.
Q5: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A5: Try half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch to keep the sauce creamy.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.
Q8: Can I add bacon?
A8: Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits make an amazing addition for extra flavor.
Q9: What if my sauce is too thick?
A9: Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Q10: Can I make this spicy?
A10: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers serious comfort and flavor. So grab your spoon and get ready to dig into a bowl of creamy, dreamy deliciousness!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a one-skillet meal packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sundried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for quick dinner ideas and easy dinner recipes!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sundried tomato oil)
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 3/4 – 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 16 oz (450g) gnocchi
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken – In a 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi – Add heavy cream and gnocchi, letting it simmer for 5 minutes until tender and sauce thickens.
- Add Flavor – Stir in smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Finish with Spinach – Add baby spinach, stirring until wilted. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Combine & Serve – Return cooked chicken to the pan, mix well, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Protein Swap – Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
- Make it Lighter – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor – Add red pepper flakes for spice!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg