One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

I love making one-pan creamy chicken and gnocchi because it’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy. I enjoy how everything cooks together in one pan, creating a silky sauce that coats the tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it delivers big comfort-food flavor with minimal cleanup. I enjoy how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy evenings. I also appreciate how versatile it is, since I can change the vegetables or seasoning without affecting the creamy, cozy result.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

• olive oil

• garlic

• Italian seasoning

• salt

• black pepper

• potato gnocchi

• chicken broth

• heavy cream

• grated Parmesan cheese

• spinach

• optional red pepper flakes

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook it until golden on both sides and fully cooked. I remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, I add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. I add the gnocchi and let it cook until tender.

I lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. I add the spinach and cook until wilted. I return the chicken to the pan, letting everything simmer together until warmed through and well coated with sauce.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 25 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. I like using chicken thighs for a richer result, or swapping spinach for kale. When I want more heat, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

I usually use store-bought gnocchi because it’s convenient and cooks quickly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

I can substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, though the flavor will change slightly.

Will frozen spinach work?

I can use frozen spinach, but I thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid excess liquid.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

I stir in extra broth or cream until the sauce reaches the consistency I like.

Is this recipe good for leftovers?

I think it reheats well as long as I add a little liquid to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

I enjoy one-pan creamy chicken and gnocchi because it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make in one skillet. I like how it feels indulgent without being complicated, making it a recipe I turn to whenever I want a warm, satisfying meal.

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