I make this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi when I want something cozy, rich, and filling without a pile of dishes afterward. The gnocchi soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, and the chicken stays tender, making this a comforting meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to pull together at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a true one-pan dinner with big payoff. I like how the gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, which builds flavor and saves time. I also enjoy how creamy and satisfying it is while still feeling simple enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breast or thighs, bite-sized pieces
olive oil
salt
black pepper
garlic, minced
onion, finely chopped
Italian seasoning or thyme
gnocchi
chicken broth
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
spinach or kale
Directions
I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and herbs and cook until fragrant. I pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. I bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi and let it cook until tender and the sauce thickens.
I return the chicken to the pan and stir in the spinach until just wilted. I finish by adding parmesan cheese and adjusting the seasoning before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. I usually spend around 10 minutes prepping and about 25 minutes cooking. I like that it’s ready in roughly 35 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. When I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I’ve also added a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
I usually use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi, and both work well.
Does the gnocchi get mushy?
I’ve found it stays tender as long as I don’t overcook it.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I can make it ahead, but I prefer reheating gently so the sauce stays creamy.
Can I make this dish dairy free?
I can use plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What can I serve with this dish?
I like serving it with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Conclusion
I keep this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi in my regular rotation because it’s comforting, rich, and incredibly easy to make. I like how it delivers creamy, satisfying flavor in a single pan, making it perfect for busy nights when I still want a meal that feels special.
PrintOne-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
A cozy, restaurant-worthy one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich creamy sauce finished with parmesan and greens. Comforting, filling, and easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or thyme
- 500 g gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach or kale
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and add the gnocchi.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Add parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
