Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting, one-pan dish featuring tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious, velvety sauce.
The aroma of golden sautéed shallots and herby cream fills the kitchen, while every spoonful feels cozy silky, savory, and just the tiniest bit indulgent. I still think of chilly Sunday evenings when Mom would coax me to the table with a bubbling skillet of this creamy wonder; it’s the meal that always made our little kitchen feel extra warm. What makes this version special is its dreamy texture and flavor, all made in one easy pot no culinary school skills required, just simple steps for pure comfort. You’re in for a bowl of feel-good goodness that’s sure to bring everyone to the table let’s start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Dish
- Creamy, velvety sauce: Every bite wraps you up in a silky blanket of sauce, hugging tender chicken and soft pillows of gnocchi.
- Nostalgic, homey flavors: It’s the soul-soothing kind of meal that tastes like your favorite Sunday dinner just the right amount of cozy, savory, and satisfying.
- One-pot comfort food: With minimal prep and only a single pan to wash, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying dinner with loved ones.
- Perfect for chilly evenings: Whether it’s frosty outside or you’re craving some TLC, this dish will warm your heart (and your hands!) in the best way.
- Feel-good boost: There’s something truly special about gathering around a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi instant comfort, no fancy ingredients required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh chicken breast: The heart of this dish, chicken soaks up flavors and turns juicy and tender in the creamy sauce.
- Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings, store-bought or homemade, that absorb creamy goodness and offer that signature, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream: Real cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and comforting don’t skip it if you love velvety finishes.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce, enhancing both the chicken and gnocchi.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, helps create golden, crisped edges on the chicken and aromatics.
- Shallot: Provides a gentle, sweet layer of flavor that perfumes the whole skillet.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring little pops of tang and umami that brighten the creaminess.
- Spinach: Torn leaves wilt right into the dish, adding a flash of green and a hint of earthiness.
- Seasoning blend: Use your favorite herbs or spice blend for a flavor base rotisserie chicken seasoning is a cozy choice.
- Salt, pepper, and fresh thyme: Essential for boosting and rounding out the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: A shower over the top or stirred into the sauce brings nutty, salty richness.
- Substitution ideas: Swap spinach for kale, use half-and-half for a lighter touch, or try gluten-free gnocchi for dietary flexibility.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
- Sear the chicken
Heat a glug of olive oil in a wide skillet, then add your seasoned chicken. Sauté until it’s beautifully golden and smells irresistible this is what builds those cozy, savory notes. - Sauté the aromatics
In the same pan, let those shallots and sun-dried tomatoes sizzle in the leftover oil. The shallots should turn soft and sweet, and the tomatoes bring a gentle tang that perfumes your kitchen. - Simmer the gnocchi
Pour in chicken broth and plop in the gnocchi. Watch for when the gnocchi float soft, puffy, and ready. The broth will start to thicken slightly, hinting at the creamy finish to come. - Add cream and greens
Swirl in the cream and spinach, stirring gently. The sauce will go from brothy to silky, enveloping each pillowy gnocchi. Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from breaking. - Season and reunite
Return the chicken to the pan. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and a generous hit of Parmesan. If you love this cheesy vibe, you might also enjoy Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta. - Serve with love
Spoon chicken and gnocchi into bowls, drizzle with more luscious sauce, and top with a shower of Parmesan. The first bite is pure creamy comfort just like something your grandma might sneak you seconds of.
Tips for the Best Results
- Keep your heat gentle for creamy sauce. After adding the cream, lower the heat and stir often this helps the sauce stay lush and silky without splitting.
- Watch your gnocchi for pillowy texture. The moment they’re soft and floaty, it’s time! Overcooked gnocchi turn mushy, so trust your senses and err on the side of tender.
- Reheat low and slow for guaranteed creaminess. Warm leftovers gently on the stove with an extra splash of broth or cream, stirring as you go. This keeps the sauce from separating and revives that just-made taste.
- Get a jump on weeknights. You can cook the chicken and prep the veggies in advance, then finish everything in one dreamy pot when dinnertime rolls around.
- Embrace a little imperfection. Maybe your sauce thickens more than planned, or your gnocchi aren’t perfectly shaped trust me, flavor always wins. For more creamy comfort, you might also love Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce.
Variations You Can Try
Change up the protein: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster on busy nights, while sausage or turkey add their own savory spin. Each swap brings new warmth without much extra effort.
Add greens for a boost: Stir in handfuls of baby spinach, kale, or peppery arugula just before serving. Their fresh color and tender bite melt right into that creamy sauce, making every bowl feel a little more nourishing.
Mix up your cheese and herbs: Dust the top with sharp Pecorino, melt in some mozzarella, or try a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra layers of flavor. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a gentle kick.
Give it a bolder flavor twist: If you’re feeling inspired, borrow some ideas from my Pepper Jack Crack Chicken think creamy sauce kissed with pepper jack or a dash of Cajun seasoning for extra oomph.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then spoon them into airtight containers. The Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi will stay delicious in the refrigerator for a couple of days just enough time for a cozy second (or third) helping.
- Freezer Tips: For longer keeping, transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. While the sauce may thicken or separate a bit after freezing, a gentle stir as it reheats brings back most of its creamy texture.
- Reheating for Creaminess: Warm slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen things up. Stir often for a silkier bite.
- Freshness Cues: If the dish smells sour, looks curdled, or has a strange texture, it’s best to skip it.
- Best Practices: Label your containers with the date, and aim to enjoy leftovers within three days from the fridge or a month from the freezer.
How to Serve This
- Crusty Bread for Dunking: There’s nothing like a slice of warm, rustic bread to soak up every drop of that creamy, golden sauce. Tear off a piece and watch the buttery edges pick up all the goodness.
- Simple Green Salads: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with a bright, lemony vinaigrette brings a fresh contrast to the velvety richness of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.
- Golden Roasted Veggies: Serve with a side of oven-roasted carrots or broccolini for color and a bit of sweet, earthy flavor.
- Cozy Weeknight or Crowd-Pleaser: Ladle generous portions into wide bowls for a family movie night, or set up a big pot and let guests help themselves at your next gathering.
- Pairings and Comfort Sides: For a cozy soup-and-pasta night, serve alongside Chicken Tortilla Soup or a bubbly Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
- Easy Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of pinot grigio makes each creamy bite sing.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with your chosen seasoning blend. Add chicken to the hot pan; cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, shallots, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until the shallots are golden and softened.
- Add the gnocchi and chicken broth. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender.
- Add the cream and spinach; stir to combine. Keep it at a low simmer for a few minutes to further thicken the sauce.
- Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Add chicken back in.
- Serve pieces of chicken with a scoop of the creamy gnocchi and a spoonful of the extra sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, or into the sauce, for even more flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and veggies the day before, keeping them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When it’s dinnertime, just finish everything in one pot. This way, cozy homemade comfort comes together in just minutes.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
After adding cream, lower the heat and stir frequently. A gentle simmer keeps your sauce lush and smooth while preventing any splitting. Don’t worry it’s all about patience and keeping the temperature just right for silky, spoon-coating goodness.
What other greens can I use besides spinach?
You can use baby kale, Swiss chard, or even a handful of arugula. Each adds its own character kale brings heartiness, chard offers a mild bite, and arugula adds peppery freshness that cozies up perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?
Yes, you sure can! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a weeknight lifesaver. Just stir it in with the cream and greens to warm through. You’ll still get all that tender, soul-hugging flavor without watching the stovetop.
