This incredible creamy chicken and gnocchi dish has me absolutely smitten! It’s the perfect comfort food, and I can’t get enough.
The tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and velvety sauce are irresistible. The sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of sweetness, while the spinach brings freshness.
This dish is a one-skillet wonder and is such a breeze to make, too.
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal to warm you from the inside out, give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth creates a luxurious and velvety sauce. It envelops the gnocchi and chicken, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Rich Taste: The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream gives the dish a rich, creamy, and indulgent taste.
Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Comfort Food: The combination of tender chicken, gnocchi, and a creamy sauce is so cozy and comforting.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi provides a comforting base for the dish.
- Seasoning Blend: A combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper adds depth and a subtle smokiness.
- Olive Oil: It’s used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, bringing everything together.
- Shallot and Garlic: They add a pungent aroma and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Dried to perfection, these tomatoes burst with tangy flavor, adding a pop of color and taste.
- Chicken Broth: It helps to deglaze the pan and enrich the sauce with chicken flavor.
- Heavy Cream: It creates a luxurious, creamy sauce to coat the gnocchi and chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: It melts beautifully, adding a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: It wilts into the sauce, adding a vibrant green color and freshness.
- Fresh Parsley: It adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
This recipe is fancy enough for date night but easy enough for weeknights!
1. Brown the chicken. Season the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
2. Sauté the aromatics. To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the shallot until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Create the sauce base. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the gnocchi. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the gnocchi is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine and thicken. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
This recipe is pretty foolproof, but keep these tips in mind when making it.
- Keep things uniform. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and prevent overcooking.
- Quality is key. Use high-quality, shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle for convenience and quick cooking. Brands like De Cecco, Trader Joe’s, and San Remo are recommended for their texture and flavor.
- Crisp it up. Briefly pan-fry gnocchi before adding to the sauce for a crispy exterior and pillowy interior.
- Give it a nutrition boost. Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutritional value.
- Toss in some herbs. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce while simmering, then remove before serving.
- Try fun variations. Add other vegetables like frozen peas. Or, use different types of cheese, like cream cheese, for variations in the recipe.
- Make it a meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to complement the rich and creamy sauce.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them.
To Store: Place the cooled dish in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate, and the gnocchi can become mushy.
To Reheat: Warm the dish in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes714
kcalThis creamy chicken and gnocchi is comfort food at its finest! As a bonus, it’s an easy, one-skillet meal that comes together in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 medium shallot, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
16 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the shallot until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the gnocchi is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use high-quality shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle for convenience and quick cooking.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
