Experience a heartwarming dinner with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Pan, a perfect blend of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and luscious creamy sauce all cooked in one skillet. This comforting dish brings flavors together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something rich yet uncomplicated.
With just a few simple ingredients, this dish offers a flavorful feast that’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and impressive enough to share with family and friends. The creamy sauce infused with Parmesan cheese complements the comforting chew of potato gnocchi and fresh spinach perfectly.
- One-pan cooking for easy cleanup and convenience
- Combination of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a rich creamy sauce
- Quick to prepare, perfect for satisfying weeknight meals
- Nutrient boost with fresh spinach and customizable optional add-ins
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs): About 500 g diced into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender meat that cooks evenly.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Used to season the chicken, enhancing natural flavors with balanced seasoning.
- Olive oil or butter: 2–3 tablespoons to sauté chicken and aromatics, adding richness and preventing sticking.
- Small onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that softens and flavors the base of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: 3–4 minced, imparting a fragrant and savory depth to the dish.
- Potato gnocchi: 300–400 g, soft and pillowy, absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly during cooking.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): 1 cup to create a rich, velvety sauce that envelops all ingredients.
- Chicken broth: ½ cup adds savory moisture and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, melting into the sauce for a salty, nutty flavor boost.
- Fresh spinach: 1–2 cups, added at the end for color, texture, and a nutritious green touch.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch enhances mild heat and flavor complexity.
- Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish): Adds fresh herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken
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Begin by seasoning the diced chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This step seals in juices while developing flavorful browning. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics
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In the same skillet, add a touch more oil or butter if necessary to prevent sticking. Add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. These aromatics form a flavorful base that enhances the overall depth of the creamy sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi
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Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet with the aromatics. Cook according to package instructions, typically until the gnocchi puff up and develop a light golden-brown crust, just a few minutes. This step adds a pleasant texture contrast and allows the gnocchi to absorb some of the pan flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth, creating a luxurious and flavorful sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
- Add Spinach and Chicken
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Stir fresh spinach leaves into the creamy sauce so they begin to wilt and release their vibrant color. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything evenly. Allow the dish to simmer for several minutes until the spinach is tender and the chicken is reheated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
- Serve Warm with Garnish
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Plate the creamy chicken gnocchi immediately while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note and appealing presentation. This final touch brightens the dish and complements the creamy richness perfectly.
- Use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
- Feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas to boost flavor and add color.
- Extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top enhances the cheesy experience at serving.
- Pair this dish with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gnocchi may soften further upon reheating; gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken gnocchi pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread for dipping in the luscious sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish by adding freshness and contrast to its rich flavors.
- For even cooking, make sure gnocchi are spaced out in the pan while browning to avoid steaming.
- Allow the cream sauce to simmer gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Using fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated yields a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Dice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen gnocchi?
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Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used directly but may require a slightly longer cooking time. Avoid thawing to prevent sogginess.
- Is chicken thighs or breasts better for this recipe?
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Both work well; chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on preference.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
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Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast to mimic cheesy flavor.
- How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
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Simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered to reduce or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Can this dish be made ahead?
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It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time and reheat gently, adding spinach last.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Pan
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced
- 10 to 14 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 cups fresh spinach
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet and cook according to package directions until they puff up and brown lightly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the fresh spinach and cooked chicken back to the pan, cooking a few minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce option.
- Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese when serving.
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
