After an exhausting day, there’s nothing quite like the sight of a warm, inviting meal simmering away on the stove. That’s where my One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi comes in—a comforting dish that is effortlessly put together and bursts with flavor. I discovered this recipe during a busy week when takeout felt like the only option, but my heart craved something homemade. With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, dinner can transform into something celebratory rather than just a routine meal.
Imagine the luscious cream blending with savory chicken and tender gnocchi, all while the vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach add a pop of color. This dish doesn’t just promise a satisfying dinner; it’s a hassle-free experience that will impress your family and friends alike. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those who want to break free from fast food’s grasp while still enjoying the rich flavors of home cooking. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a weeknight favorite!
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
- This One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi is a breeze to prepare, making weeknight cooking a stress-free affair.
- The rich combination of flavors from the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi creates a dish that’s irresistibly delicious.
- Its versatility allows for easy customization—feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap the protein based on what you have on hand.
- With everything cooked in just one pan, cleanup is a snap, leaving you more time to relax after a delightful meal.
One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Ingredients
• Get ready to indulge in a creamy delight!
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Olive oil – enhances flavor and helps to achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
• Salt and pepper – essential seasonings that elevates the taste of your chicken.
• Garlic powder – adds a savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
• Italian seasoning – a fragrant blend that brings the essence of Italy to your dish.
For the Sauce
• Cherry tomatoes – their sweetness balances the richness of the cream; feel free to substitute with diced regular tomatoes.
• Baby spinach – adds a nutritional boost and vibrant color, along with a mild, fresh taste.
• Heavy cream – makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; for a lighter version, consider using half-and-half.
• Chicken broth – provides depth of flavor; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – enriches the sauce and brings a lovely nutty flavor; fresh cheese will melt better!
For the Gnocchi
• Gnocchi – these potato dumplings become tender and flavorful in the creamy sauce, making this recipe the star of your weeknight meals!
For Garnish
• Fresh basil (optional) – brightens up the dish with a fresh, herbaceous finish.
With these One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi ingredients ready to go, you’re just moments away from crafting a meal that your loved ones will ask for time and time again!
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
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Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is essential to achieving that perfect golden-seared chicken!
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Season the Chicken: Generously season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Cook the Tomatoes: In the same pan, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2–3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.
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Add the Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach, cooking just until it wilts—about 1–2 minutes. This step adds a bright, fresh color to the dish.
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Mix the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Combine Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the gnocchi and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
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Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed—this makes your dish truly shine!
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Garnish and Serve: If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Your homemade meal is now ready to be enjoyed!
Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an even cheesier finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe; customize it to make it uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free version that brings a hint of sweetness.
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Veggie-Packed: Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavors—these veggies seamlessly blend into the creamy sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that elevates the flavor and warms your soul.
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Herb Medley: Swap out the basil for fresh parsley or thyme for an aromatic experience that refreshes the entire dish.
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Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken; both will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully while providing a new flair.
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Whole Wheat Gnocchi: For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat gnocchi that brings additional fiber and a nutty flavor to this comforting meal.
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Zest It Up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the dish with a bright zing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunchy bites that contrast beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the chicken, season it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that flavors meld together beautifully. Additionally, wash and prepare the spinach and tomatoes, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, simply sauté the prepped chicken, followed by the prepared veggies, and continue with the recipe as usual. By prepping ahead, you’ll bring together a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, allowing you more time to savor your family’s company.
How to Store and Freeze One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
What to Serve with One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi?
Elevate your dining experience by surrounding this creamy delight with a variety of sides that complement its richness.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, this crunchy, buttery bread adds a delightful texture contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provides a fresh, colorful balance to the dish’s creaminess. Toss them with olive oil and herbs for extra flavor!
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Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing create a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the gnocchi. Topped with croutons, it’s a classic choice that everyone loves.
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Creamy Polenta: Its rich, smooth texture mirrors the sauce and gnocchi while providing a comforting and hearty experience. Just sprinkle some cheese on top for a melty twist!
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the flavors and bring a touch of elegance to your meal. The acidity pairs beautifully with the cream.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, this bright, refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate and ends your meal on a light, sweet note. Ideal after a rich dinner!
With these delightful options, your One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi becomes the star of a beautifully balanced meal that your loved ones will appreciate!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi, always ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden sear.
- A common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which prevents the chicken from browning properly, so cook in batches if necessary.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Timing is crucial; keep an eye on the gnocchi during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy.
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning perfectly.
One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend opting for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that has a pink, moist appearance without any dark spots. Fresh chicken will yield the juiciest results, while frozen chicken can also work in a pinch—just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
What’s the best way to store leftover One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi?
For leftovers, transfer any remaining dish into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain that creamy texture you love.
Can I freeze One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi?
Absolutely! To freeze, divide the dish into portions and place them in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the contents overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little chicken broth or cream while reheating.
What can I do if my gnocchi is mushy?
Ah, that can happen! A common culprit is overcooking. Make sure to follow the cooking time closely—generally, 5–7 minutes after adding the gnocchi should be sufficient. If your sauce thickens too much, feel free to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up a bit.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need it gluten-free, check the packaging of your gnocchi to ensure it’s made from gluten-free ingredients. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to balance flavors, as different creams may have varying sweetness levels.
One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package Gnocchi
- 1 tbsp Fresh basil optional
Method
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Generously season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pan, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2–3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Stir in the baby spinach, cooking just until it wilts—about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
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