Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a flavor-packed meal that will leave you craving more. The gnocchi absorbs all the flavors from the creamy sauce, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein. The garlic, spinach, and Parmesan bring extra layers of richness, making this a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. It’s quick enough to make on a busy evening but special enough for a dinner with friends or family.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, oregano, thyme, and basil, and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi floats to the top.
Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined, and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or herbs.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.
Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different twist.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness of the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing them first, and they will cook in the sauce as usual.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Then, cook the gnocchi and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use dairy-free cheese in place of Parmesan.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers into the sauce while cooking.

What type of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the flavor of the sauce well.

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, homemade gnocchi will work wonderfully in this dish. Just make sure they are cooked properly before adding them to the sauce.

What can I serve with creamy chicken and gnocchi?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also a great option to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the gnocchi may become a little soft upon reheating. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains gnocchi made from wheat. However, you can substitute gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken and gnocchi is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and customizable with different proteins and vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

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This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is a comforting, rich dish featuring tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor and quick to make.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Italian-American
Cuisine: Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package directions and drain.
Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce. If desired, stir in spinach until wilted.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best served immediately.