Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. The tender chicken and gnocchi absorb the rich and creamy sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience. The addition of fresh herbs and a hint of garlic adds depth to the dish, and the gnocchi’s soft, chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

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

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Stir in the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using), cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, or add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a meatless option.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.
Herb variations: Experiment with fresh basil or rosemary in place of thyme to add a different herbaceous flavor to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to soak up the creamy sauce, so it’s best eaten within a couple of days for optimal texture.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce as it thickens during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. Cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as cooking the chicken and gnocchi, and storing them separately. Assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even cooked sausage for a different twist on the recipe.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses traditional gnocchi, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! You can add vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make the dish slightly lighter, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced chili peppers, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce base to bring in some heat.

8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the sauce in step 5 and heat through.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

10. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Gnocchi?

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi and the cream sauce may change upon reheating. If you choose to freeze it, store the soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and reheat it slowly on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is a warm, comforting, and indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s a dish that feels both luxurious and simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite variations—either way, it’s sure to impress!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this comforting dish combines flavorful ingredients in a creamy, decadent broth that’s sure to please the whole family.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the dried thyme and basil, stirring for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top).
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
If you want a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a small amount of broth and stir it into the sauce, letting it thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

You can use store-bought gnocchi or make your own for a more authentic touch.
Add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free gnocchi.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.