Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi dance together in this decadent, creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe that promises comfort in every single bite.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each delicate potato dumpling with pure deliciousness.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this restaurant-quality dish.

Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor that will make you swoon.

Herbs and seasoning elevate this classic combination into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthful of this irresistible comfort food.

Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Wonders

• Crush Cheesy Cravings: Dive into a mouthwatering chicken dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with flavor and gooey cheese.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike with its irresistible crispy exterior and melted cheese center.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple techniques that make you look like a culinary pro without spending hours in the kitchen or requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up seasonings, trying different cheese types, or pairing with various side dishes to match your taste preferences and meal mood.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken And Gnocchi

• Chicken: Tender pieces of protein that form the core of this delicious dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting and hearty texture to the meal.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Stock: Create a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Butter, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic richness to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide basic seasoning for the chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky and complex flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and tangy finish to the sauce.

• Sundried Tomatoes, Spinach: Bring color, texture, and additional nutritional value to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Cooking Chicken And Gnocchi Made Easy

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until chicken reaches perfect doneness with golden brown edges.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up delicious browned bits.

Pour heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble.

Step 3: Transform the Dish

Add gnocchi to the creamy liquid and cook for 5 minutes.

• Smoked paprika
• Sundried tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese

Toss fresh spinach into the mixture and cook until leaves wilt beautifully.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently mix all ingredients until heated through.

If sauce seems thick, splash a bit of water to loosen. Remove from heat and serve immediately for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Tips To Master Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Avoid overcooking gnocchi by watching carefully and stirring gently to prevent breaking or becoming mushy.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add chicken stock or cream gradually to adjust thickness, ensuring a smooth and creamy sauce without separation.
• Smart Spinach Wilting: Add spinach last and remove from heat quickly to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent graininess and ensure a silky, smooth sauce finish.

Flavor Variations For Chicken And Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning techniques for protein-rich vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Substitute traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary, add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining creamy sauce and spice elements while reducing carbohydrate content for keto followers.

Presentation Ideas For Chicken And Gnocchi

• Uncork Crisp White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the smoky paprika notes.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a wonderful textural element to the meal.
• Toast with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a dry prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's complex flavors.

Storing Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled chicken and gnocchi to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if spinach looks wilted or sauce appears separated.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this creamy chicken and gnocchi dish?

The key ingredients include chicken, gnocchi, heavy cream, chicken stock, garlic, sundried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan cheese, and seasonings like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, this is a convenient one-pan recipe where you cook the chicken first, then create the sauce in the same skillet, and finally combine all ingredients together for a quick and easy meal.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C), which ensures it’s safely cooked through and prevents any potential foodborne illness.

Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious chicken and gnocchi dance together in a velvety Italian-inspired sauce, creating comfort on a plate. Rich flavors and tender pasta pillows promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 3–4 1-inch pieces
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sundried tomato oil from the can
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, coating with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Pour chicken stock to deglaze, scraping accumulated browned bits from pan surface.
3. Introduce heavy cream and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Add gnocchi and allow sauce to reduce while pasta becomes tender, cooking for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring thoroughly to integrate flavors.
5. Fold fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing leaves to wilt completely. If sauce appears too dense, introduce a small splash of water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Return reserved chicken to skillet, gently mixing to ensure even distribution of sauce and ingredients.
7. Remove skillet from heat and serve immediately, ensuring each portion receives an equal blend of sauce, gnocchi, and chicken.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly tender chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F (74C) without overcooking.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting smoked paprika quantity or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free gnocchi and verifying all ingredient labels.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the creamy sauce’s richness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 592 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg