Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi – A Step-by-Step One-Pan Recipe

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This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi dish is a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes. Featuring juicy chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and parmesan in a silky cream sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and elegance.

Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step cooking guide with tips and tricks so your dinner turns out perfect every single time. If you love creamy one-pan recipes, don’t miss our creamy mushroom chicken for another family-favorite idea.

Ingredients Checklist

Before starting, measure and prepare all your ingredients. Cooking is much smoother when everything is ready to go.

  • 1 lb chicken breast (about 2 breasts, cut into ¾–1 inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken stock (or dry white wine for deeper flavor)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
  • 16 ounces shelf-stable gnocchi
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Pro Tip: Always grate parmesan cheese fresh from the block for the best flavor and creaminess—it melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet (12-inch stainless steel or nonstick works best) over medium-high heat.
  2. Add olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar).
  3. Place the chicken pieces into the skillet. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer for food safety.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

  1. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons butter.
  2. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic.
  3. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it—garlic cooks quickly).
  4. Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi in Cream

  1. Stir in the heavy cream.
  2. Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (reduce heat if needed).
  4. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens.

Pro Tip: Packaged, shelf-stable gnocchi cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Avoid frozen gnocchi for this recipe—it doesn’t give the same texture.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

  1. Sprinkle in smoked paprika for warmth.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir well.
  3. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

At this stage, the sauce should be silky, thick, and full of flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach & Chicken

  1. Add baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until just wilted.
  2. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
  3. Toss everything together so the chicken and gnocchi are fully coated in the sauce.
  4. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from heat.
  • Spoon into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.

For another creamy one-pan option, check out our creamy garlic red pepper chicken.

Tips for Success

  • Use quality gnocchi: The higher the potato content, the fluffier the gnocchi.
  • Wine option: Replace chicken stock with dry white wine for a richer sauce.
  • Make it your own: Swap spinach for kale, basil, or arugula.
  • Protein swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Save the oil: Use sun-dried tomato oil instead of olive oil for cooking the chicken.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

While this dish is satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with:

  • Freshly baked garlic bread
  • Olive Garden–style breadsticks
  • A light Caesar salad
  • Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
  • A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc

Don’t miss our longhorn steakhouse parmesan chicken if you want another Italian-American classic.

Storing and Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • To reheat, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Heat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs about Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, reheat slowly to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Q: What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A: Allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a little extra parmesan.

Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes. Substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or zucchini instead.

Looking for another cozy pasta soup option? Don’t miss our creamy ravioli soup.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 734
  • Carbs: 52g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Fat: 43g
  • Fiber: 5g

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is everything you want in a one-pan meal: quick, indulgent, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a weeknight feel special and will have your family asking for seconds. Next time you’re craving creamy comfort food, give this dish a try—it might just become your new favorite!

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