Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: A Cozy One-Pan Comfort Dish
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi. Maybe it’s the pillowy gnocchi soaking up a rich, velvety sauce. Maybe it’s the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled among creamy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Or maybe it’s that it all comes together in just one pan — no fuss, no stress, just pure, cozy flavor. Whatever the reason, this dish is everything you want from a weeknight meal: comforting, quick, and absolutely irresistible.
This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian comfort food but keeps it simple enough for any home cook. The combination of juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy, herbed sauce feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s delightfully easy to make at home. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet pop that balances the creaminess perfectly, while spinach brings in a touch of freshness. And the best part? It all cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup as satisfying as the first bite.
The gnocchi here acts like little flavor sponges, soaking up every bit of that rich broth and cream mixture until they’re tender and full of goodness. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh thyme at the end makes the whole dish feel gourmet, even though it’s secretly one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make.
If you’re a fan of cozy, creamy meals, you might also love Half Baked Harvest’s comforting skillet recipes or Pinch of Yum’s one-pan dinners. But for now, let’s dig into this rich and soul-soothing Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: A Comforting One-Pan Dinner
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi features tender seared chicken, fluffy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luscious cream sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (such as McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning)
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 12 ounces store-bought gnocchi (such as DeLallo brand)
- 2 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
To Finish:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with your chosen seasoning. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the pan along with the chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes tender and the broth has mostly absorbed.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the cream and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated in a luscious sauce.
- Add the greens: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
Active time: ~15 minutes; total cook time: ~25 minutes. For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding broth. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a little extra broth.
Advanced Techniques
Perfectly Searing the Chicken for Flavor
Searing is key to developing flavor in this dish. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken—this creates that golden crust and locks in juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and resist the urge to flip early. Letting the chicken rest after cooking also helps keep it tender when added back to the sauce.
Creating a Silky Sauce Without Breaking
Cream sauces can be finicky, but this one is foolproof if you keep the heat moderate. After adding the cream, simmer gently—never boil. Stir frequently and keep an eye on consistency. The starch from the gnocchi naturally helps thicken the sauce into a silky, restaurant-worthy texture.
Balancing Creaminess and Brightness
The richness of the cream and chicken benefits from a touch of acidity. Sun-dried tomatoes already provide some, but a squeeze of lemon or splash of white wine right at the end can brighten the flavors beautifully. It’s a simple step that brings everything into harmony.
Using Store-Bought Gnocchi the Right Way
You don’t need to pre-boil the gnocchi—just cook them directly in the broth. This method infuses them with flavor and thickens the sauce naturally as the starch releases. Make sure to stir occasionally so they cook evenly and don’t stick.
Elevating the Dish with Finishing Touches
Fresh thyme and grated Parmesan are more than garnishes—they add a fragrant, savory finish that ties the dish together. You can also drizzle with a little extra olive oil or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it sits, but it will loosen when reheated.
Reheating Without Separating the Sauce
Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high power, which can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing Tips
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi fresh. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to a month and prepare the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.
Repurposing Leftovers
Turn leftover chicken and sauce into a creamy pasta topping or spoon it over mashed potatoes or rice. It’s just as good the next day, maybe even better!
Keeping the Gnocchi Tender
If reheating, avoid overcooking the gnocchi—they can become mushy. Gently heat until just warmed through to maintain that perfect pillowy texture.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Making It Dairy-Free
Use full-fat coconut milk or oat cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and velvety. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free gnocchi (readily available in most grocery stores) and double-check that your broth and seasoning are gluten-free as well. The flavor and texture remain just as comforting.
Vegetarian Adaptation
Skip the chicken and use cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms instead. Vegetable broth works perfectly, and you still get that same creamy, hearty satisfaction.
Lighter, Low-Calorie Option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the olive oil slightly. Add more spinach or swap in zucchini noodles for a vegetable boost without losing comfort factor.
High-Protein Version
For extra protein, stir in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt at the end (off the heat). It adds creaminess and nutrition without extra fat.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Can I Use Homemade Gnocchi?
Yes! If you have homemade gnocchi, this recipe will only get better. Just make sure to handle them gently when cooking—they’re more delicate than store-bought versions.
Can I Substitute the Cream with Milk?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a compromise, use equal parts milk and cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese to thicken it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. Just sauté any additional vegetables before adding the broth to ensure they cook evenly.
What’s the Best Way to Season the Chicken?
McCormick’s Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning is great, but you can also use Italian seasoning, paprika, or garlic herb blends. Even a simple salt, pepper, and lemon zest combo works wonderfully.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep all the components in advance—cook the chicken and slice the shallots and tomatoes. When ready to serve, cook the gnocchi and assemble the dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is everything a cozy meal should be—simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The creamy sauce wraps around every tender bite of gnocchi and chicken, while the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add color and freshness that keep it light and balanced. It’s the kind of meal that makes any ordinary evening feel special.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak it to your liking—swap the protein, change up the greens, or make it dairy-free—and it still turns out delicious every time. It’s also a perfect dish to share: impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough for a quiet weeknight.
So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and let this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi fill your kitchen with warmth. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a recipe worth coming back to again and again.