If you are craving a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance into one delightful skillet, then you are going to love this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a perfect blend of hearty and fresh, making dinner feel like a warm, cozy hug after a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe just right starts with simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. Every flavor and texture works in harmony, making the cooking process straightforward yet rewarding.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing chicken, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into ¾-inch pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness when cooked.
- Minced garlic: Just a touch to brighten the sauce with an aromatic lift.
- Unsalted chicken stock: Deglazes the pan and serves as the foundation for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates that indulgent, silky sauce that clings to every bite of gnocchi and chicken.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the flavors and provide delightful texture.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a gentle smokiness and depth to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness and chewiness provide bursts of flavor and color.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami richness and a touch of nuttiness.
- Baby spinach leaves: Add freshness and a lovely green pop, wilting perfectly in the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cooking them for about 6 minutes until golden brown locks in moisture and flavor. This step sets the stage for a tender yet crisp bite that makes this dish so irresistible. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you work on the sauce.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Butter and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter and quickly cook the minced garlic until fragrant—it only takes about 20 seconds. This quick step releases garlic’s aromatic notes without overpowering, creating the flavorful base that will carry the sauce forward.
Step 3: Deglaze and Start the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom. These morsels are packed with flavor and give the sauce a wonderful depth that makes the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe so special.
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi for Creamy Comfort
Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream and add the gnocchi right into the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes—this allows the sauce to thicken just right and the gnocchi to become tender and ready to soak up all the lusciousness.
Step 5: Spice It Up and Bring It All Together
Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Each ingredient adds a burst of flavor and texture that transforms the sauce into a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Add Freshness with Spinach
Wilt in the baby spinach leaves gently, stirring until they’re just softened and vibrant green. If your sauce feels too thick at this point, a splash of water will help loosen it to your perfect consistency.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Finish
Finally, fold the cooked chicken back in, coating every piece with the creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and get ready to serve a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal straight from the pan.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few extra sundried tomato pieces on top makes for a lovely presentation. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a bright, herby touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add a contrasting crunch and fresh flavors, perfect for balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish in individual shallow bowls or rustic cast-iron skillets to bring warmth and charm to your table. For a fun twist, place the skillet right in the center and let everyone dig in family-style—comfort food shared always tastes better.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy sauce stays delicious for up to three days, making this recipe ideal for quick reheats during a busy week.
Freezing
While gnocchi’s texture may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze the dish if necessary. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To maintain texture, consider freezing the sauce and chicken separately from the gnocchi and combining them when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir occasionally to keep everything creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! While potato gnocchi is traditional and best-known for that pillowy texture, you can experiment with sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi for a different flavor or dietary preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream and using a dairy-free butter alternative, you can enjoy a dairy-free version while keeping the creamy richness.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Definitely! Chicken thighs bring a richer flavor and stay moist, which works wonderfully in the skillet. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs might take a bit longer.
How can I make the sauce less thick?
If your sauce feels too thick during cooking or reheating, stir in a little water, chicken stock, or even a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick, consider including crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or mixing a dash of hot paprika into the sauce. Fresh chili slices also work great as a garnish for some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is truly a treasure in the kitchen—easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress anyone you share it with. The flavors, textures, and colors all come together perfectly to offer a comforting and satisfying meal. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your favorite dependable dinners that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe offers a comforting and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Other Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and melt butter: In the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
- Add cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then add the potato gnocchi to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the gnocchi become tender.
- Incorporate seasonings and cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Add spinach: Fold in the baby spinach leaves and stir gently until they wilt into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Combine chicken and serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Remove the pan from heat and serve immediately, enjoying this hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.
- You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on your preferred saltiness level.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
