Few things say comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of pillowy gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy sauce. This Chicken Gnocchi recipe is one of those easy, one-pan dinners that feels fancy but comes together in about 30 minutes. With tender, juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dish that delivers big flavors with minimal fuss.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when we wanted something warm and indulgent but didn’t have the patience for a long recipe. It turned out so well, it quickly became a staple — easy enough for weeknights, but delicious enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi
- Creamy, Cozy Comfort: Like an Italian-style chicken and dumplings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooks up fast and easy with minimal cleanup.
- Versatile: Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi, and swap in your favorite veggies.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Herbs
In the same pan, add garlic, thyme, and basil, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Broth
Stir in the gnocchi and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender and broth is slightly reduced.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Season to taste with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Caesar salad or arugula salad
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible — they cook quickly and have a light, pillowy texture.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms, peas, or zucchini for more color and flavor.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Chicken Gnocchi: Stir in lemon zest and juice for a bright finish.
- Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi: Add sautéed mushrooms along with the chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Use Italian sausage in place of chicken and add more red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
- Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Chicken Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American Comfort
Description
Creamy, comforting Chicken Gnocchi packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and savory herbs — a cozy, feel-good dinner in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for 6–8 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Herbs
- In the same pan, add garlic, thyme, and basil, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Broth
- Stir in the gnocchi and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender and broth is slightly reduced.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible — they cook quickly and have a light, pillowy texture.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms, peas, or zucchini for more color and flavor.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
Keywords: chicken gnocchi, creamy gnocchi, one-pan chicken dinner, gnocchi recipes, creamy chicken skillet, easy weeknight dinner, chicken and gnocchi, parmesan cream sauce gnocchi, skillet gnocchi, chicken and dumplings inspired
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — skip the sautéing step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.
2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes — no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time.
3. Is this good for meal prep?
It’s best fresh but reheats well for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free gnocchi and check your broth ingredients.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes — whole milk works, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
