Growing up, my grandmother always said the best meals weren’t just about ingredients, but the love woven into every dish. That rings true for this delightful One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi! Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce all mingling together – pure comfort in a bowl, a heartwarming hug on a plate.
I recall one chilly evening, after a long day, Grandma whipped up something similar. The aroma filled her tiny kitchen, chasing away the chill, and I watched, fascinated, as simple ingredients transformed into a magical meal. It showed me extraordinary dishes often come from the simplest ideas.
This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is incredibly easy for busy weeknights and wonderfully adaptable. My top tip? Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go – that’s how you truly make a dish your own, infusing it with a unique, personal touch!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi comes alive with succulent chicken, tender potato gnocchi, and rich heavy cream. I love how these simple ingredients create such a comforting meal. Find the full list and measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Whipping up this cozy One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is simpler than you think! Brown the chicken, then sauté aromatics. Simmer broth and cream, adding gnocchi and spinach directly to the pan. A final flourish of Parmesan, and your comforting meal is ready.
One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any remaining flavorful bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in the gnocchi and return the seared chicken to the skillet. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt completely into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes. Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Creating delicious meals is all about those little touches that make a big difference! For this delightful One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that I love to share.
Building Layers of Flavor
Always season your chicken thoroughly before searing. A good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides creates a beautiful crust and ensures every bite is packed with flavor from the start. This really makes a difference in the final taste of your creamy gnocchi dish.
My Secret Trick: Achieving Perfect Gnocchi Texture
I always recommend using shelf-stable potato gnocchi for this recipe, as it cooks up wonderfully tender and pillowy right in the sauce. For the best texture, add the gnocchi only once the sauce is simmering and cook just until they float to the top and are tender, usually 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy!
A Touch of Freshness
Don’t skip the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese at the end! The spinach wilts down beautifully, adding a lovely pop of color and freshness, while the Parmesan melts into the sauce, deepening its creamy, savory notes. It’s the perfect finish for your One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.
Don’t Rush the Aromatics
Sautéing the yellow onion and garlic until fragrant and softened truly lays the foundation for a rich sauce. Take your time with this step, about 3-5 minutes, as it brings out their natural sweetness and depth, which translates into a more complex and satisfying flavor for the entire dish.
Fun Variations for One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
One of the greatest joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, adding twists that reflect your tastes or what you have on hand! This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is wonderfully versatile, and I’ve loved experimenting with it over the years.
Spice it Up!
My sister, who adores a little kick in her food, always asks me to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I make this. It introduces a delightful warmth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. You could even swirl in a dollop of pesto for an herbaceous twist!
Veggie Boost
If you’re like me and love to sneak in extra vegetables, consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some frozen peas along with the spinach. Just be sure to add them at the right time so they cook through without becoming soggy. My friend always adds sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of umami.
Cheese, Please!
While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sprinkle of mozzarella or a sharper provolone could add a wonderful new dimension of flavor and extra creaminess to your One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
What to Serve With One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
This delightful One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is hearty enough to be a meal all on its own, but sometimes a little something extra just makes it sing! I love thinking about how to round out a comforting dinner, and these are some of my go-to pairings.
A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner; its bright, fresh flavors cut through the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully. My mom always pairs a cozy meal like this with a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce! For a touch of green, a side of steamed asparagus or broccoli adds a lovely contrast and extra nutrients. And for those extra busy nights, I sometimes just sprinkle a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving for an instant burst of fresh flavor.
How to Store One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
After enjoying a wonderful meal of One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, it’s always lovely to have leftovers for another day! Proper storage is key to keeping those comforting flavors intact.
Refrigeration for Freshness
Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer any leftover One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the gnocchi to prevent a skin from forming and keep it extra moist.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through. This helps maintain that luscious, creamy texture. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, but the stovetop method truly brings it back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
This comforting One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi offers nourishing benefits too! Lean chicken provides protein, while fresh spinach boosts vitamins and fiber. It’s a satisfying treat that combines indulgence with wholesome ingredients, feeding both body and soul.
FAQs
Faq 1
Absolutely! While potato gnocchi offers that classic pillowy texture, you could certainly experiment with sweet potato gnocchi for a touch of sweetness, or even ricotta gnocchi for a lighter, more delicate bite. Just ensure you adjust cooking times as needed.
Faq 2
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a blend of milk and cream cheese for a similar richness. The texture of your One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi might be slightly different, but it will still be wonderfully delicious!
Faq 3
Definitely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for adding your favorite vegetables. Diced carrots, mushrooms, or even chopped kale would be lovely additions. For firmer vegetables, add them with the onions to allow them more time to soften and meld into the creamy sauce.
Faq 4
Unfortunately, creamy sauces and gnocchi can sometimes change texture after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit grainy or mushy. For the best experience, I recommend enjoying your One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi fresh or refrigerating leftovers for a few days.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a meal that brings warmth and joy to the table with minimal fuss. This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is exactly that – a comforting, flavorful dish that embodies the heart of homemade cooking. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can create magical moments around the dinner table. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create sweet, savory memories with this delightful recipe. Happy cooking, my dear friends!