Dinner

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

Name: Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1 package gnocchi; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving

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This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a weeknight hero: rich, comforting, and fast. Tender chicken bites swim in a silky cream sauce with spinach and pillowy gnocchi. The sauce clings to each dumpling, giving a warm, savory bite with a hint of garlic and the salty tang of Parmesan on top. It smells buttery and inviting while the texture mixes soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and wilted greens for a satisfying mouthfeel. If you like cozy one-pan meals, this is an easy recipe to add to your rotation — similar in comfort to comforting creamy chicken noodle soup but heartier.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 580 kcal
Protein: 41 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

Make this recipe when you want comfort without fuss. It cooks quickly in one skillet, needs just a few pantry staples, and delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. The cream sauce is silky and clings to the gnocchi, while the chicken adds substance. Spinach brightens the dish and adds color and nutrients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or when you want something warm and filling that still feels special.

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

This recipe uses basic techniques: searing, simmering, and tossing. The result is a saucy, creamy skillet meal that comes together fast. Follow the steps below and watch the sauce reduce slightly so it coats the gnocchi. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to let the flavors sing.

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 package gnocchi
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Pat the diced chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Measure the chicken broth and heavy cream. Chop the spinach and have the gnocchi handy. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil so it’s shimmering.

Step 2: Sautéing the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. The chicken should feel firm and no longer be pink inside.

Step 3: Mixing the Sauce

Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and chopped spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes slightly thicker.

Step 4: Cooking and Finishing

Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (usually boiling 2–3 minutes until they float). Drain and add the gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes so the gnocchi absorb some sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan on top.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

Serve this dish straight from the skillet into warm bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for a fresh finish. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to cut the richness. For a more elegant plate, drizzle a little olive oil and add lemon zest to brighten flavors. It also works well as a cozy date-night meal or a family-style main for casual gatherings.

How to Store Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: This dish does not freeze well because the cream and gnocchi change texture. If you must freeze, keep the cooked chicken separate from the gnocchi and sauce; freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating, then combine and gently warm with added liquid.
Tip: For best texture after storing, reheat slowly and add a little liquid (chicken broth or cream) to bring back silkiness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi

Brown the chicken well: A golden sear adds flavor through caramelization.
Don’t overcook gnocchi: Cook just until they float and remain pillowy. Overcooking makes them mushy.
Control sauce thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce or add a splash more broth to thin it.
Swap dairy mindfully: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken.
Taste as you go: Chicken broth and Parmesan add salt, so season at the end.
Use fresh spinach: It wilts quickly and adds bright color—baby spinach works great.
Add texture: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped toasted walnuts when serving.

Delicious Variations

Mushroom & Herb: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken and add fresh thyme.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for tang and heat.
Pesto Twist: Stir 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into the finished sauce for herbal brightness.
Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and add 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in cold water to thicken slightly.
Cheesy Bake: Transfer the finished mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until golden for a gratin-style finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes. Cook frozen gnocchi according to package instructions (they usually take a minute or two longer). Add them to the skillet after draining and heat through.

Q: Can I swap chicken for another protein?
A: Absolutely. Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or sliced turkey. Adjust cooking times so the protein is heated through without overcooking.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Texture and flavor will differ but remain creamy.

Q: Is it okay to make this ahead?
A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store separately from the gnocchi for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and cook the gnocchi fresh, then combine to serve.

Q: My sauce is too thin — how do I fix it?
A: Simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce until it thickens.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Peas, roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms mix in well. Add quick-cooking veggies near the end so they retain texture.

Q: What type of gnocchi should I buy?
A: Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi tend to be pillowy and cook quickly. Dried gnocchi works too but follow package times and adjust texture with sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi recipe is an easy, comforting meal that comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers rich, satisfying flavors. It’s versatile, forgiving, and ideal for busy nights when you want something warm and substantial. For another take on creamy chicken and gnocchi with extra tips and photos, check out this detailed version at Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe – Pinch of Yum. Give it a try — the silky sauce and soft gnocchi are likely to become a weeknight favorite.