If you are craving a comforting yet elegant dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is absolutely the answer. Combining tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create a truly satisfying meal that feels both homey and a little special. This recipe is sure to become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or any time you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in building that luscious texture and rich flavor. From the garlic’s aromatic punch to the delicate Parmesan finish, every element is essential to getting that perfect balance in your creamy chicken and gnocchi.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion beautifully.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible warm and savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that elevates the dish effortlessly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right kick.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers that signature creamy texture.
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped: Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle freshness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a savory umami punch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. This step is crucial to develop a flavorful foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 30 seconds until you can smell the amazing fragrance filling your kitchen. This builds a flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for 1 minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and creates the roux, which is the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cream, Chicken, and Gnocchi
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the potato gnocchi and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will cook through and soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite unbelievably tender and luscious.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Stir in the chopped baby spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, adding a rich, nutty depth. Now your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, top it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also add a delightful touch of flavor and color that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your creamy chicken and gnocchi alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a great companion, perfect for mopping up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, portion the gnocchi into shallow bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also present it in individual cast-iron skillets that keep the dish warm and cozy right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where the dish will keep nicely for up to 3 days. This makes for a delicious next-day meal without any hassle.
Freezing
While gnocchi can be tricky in the freezer as texture may change slightly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and try to consume within 1 month for the best taste and texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This will revive the creaminess and keep the chicken tender without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly and saves time, making this a quick and easy dinner option.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for mushrooms or extra spinach, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The creamy sauce will still deliver fantastic flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half and half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the texture will be less rich and creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much while cooking or reheating, stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this recipe be cooked in one pan?
Yes! This is truly a one-pan dinner that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor by cooking everything in the same skillet.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing loved ones with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feels like comfort food with a touch of elegance. I can’t recommend making it enough — it’s a wonderfully satisfying dish that you’ll be excited to cook again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting Italian American main course featuring tender chicken breast, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty stovetop dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal, delivering warm flavors with a creamy texture and a hint of fresh spinach for added vibrancy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Gnocchi and Greens
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the finely diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour and create a roux base for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the gnocchi and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi warm, straight from the skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Enhance flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
