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A skillet of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi with spinach and mushrooms, topped with fresh parsley on a rustic wooden table.

One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It's a comforting and hearty meal that's surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Gnocchi
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 17.6 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi (500g package)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Large skillet (10-12 inches) or Dutch oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare Chicken
  1. 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.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. 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.
Simmer Sauce & Cook Gnocchi
  1. 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.
Finish & Serve
  1. 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.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You can also add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further upon cooling; you can thin it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.