Description
Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, where tender, juicy chicken meets pillowy soft gnocchi, all coated in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or an elegant meal for guests. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or love comforting creamy dishes, this recipe is a must-try! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs, for extra juiciness)
- 1 pound (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Add-Ins:
- Mushrooms – For an earthy, umami-rich taste
- Bacon or Pancetta – Adds a crispy, smoky flavor
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Introduces a tangy, slightly sweet contrast
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a bit of heat
- White Wine – Adds depth and enhances the creamy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F (75°C)).
- Remove from skillet and set aside to rest before slicing.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi.
- Cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes, or until they float).
- Drain and set aside. (For pan-fried gnocchi, sauté in 1 tbsp butter until golden brown.)
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onions, and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and thick. (If too thick, add a splash of broth.)
- Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and toss gently.
- Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach and let it wilt.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Plate the dish in shallow bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
🔥 Pro Tip: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy, golden finish!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free gnocchi or replace with cauliflower gnocchi.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Extra Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions:
- 🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 🥗 Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing.
- 🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
- 🍷 Wine Pairing: Chardonnay (rich & buttery) or Pinot Grigio (light & crisp).
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate when thawed).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: ~3g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~30g