If you’re craving a comforting dish that marries rich flavors with pillowy textures, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken, silky gnocchi, and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce infused with hints of smoked paprika and sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite is like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a cozy meal that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this recipe’s ingredients is what makes it so approachable, yet each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture that make the dish sing. From the juicy chicken to the buttery garlic base, and the fresh spinach that adds a pop of green, everything complements perfectly.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous, aromatic notes that elevate the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides just a touch of heat and depth.
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce and balances acidity.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Brings a punch of savory aroma that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock: De-glazes the pan and builds the foundation of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds silkiness and indulgence to the skillet.
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness and warmth.
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Lends a tangy sweetness and vibrant burst of color.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami, melting into the sauce for richness.
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves: Fresh green goodness that wilts just right to lighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken, seasoned with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken pieces until they’re perfectly golden and cooked through—around six minutes. Don’t rush this step; that lovely brown crust locks in flavor and texture! Once done, remove and keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), melt butter and toss in the minced garlic. Just twenty seconds here to let the garlic become fragrant will send wonderful aromas into your kitchen. This is where the magic in the sauce begins.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the unsalted chicken stock to carefully loosen all those golden-brown bits stuck on the skillet’s bottom. Scrape with a wooden spoon to capture every flavorful morsel—they’re hiding your sauce’s secret depth!
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi
Next, stir in the heavy cream and immediately add your gnocchi. Let things gently simmer so the sauce thickens just enough and the gnocchi begin to soften and puff up—about five minutes. This tender pillowy texture is the heart of this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Season and Enrich
Lower the heat and mix in the smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Watch the cheese melt seamlessly into the sauce, giving it that savory richness you’ll find absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach and Finish
Add the fresh baby spinach leaves and stir until they gently wilt, adding vibrant color and a fresh balance to the creaminess. If the sauce becomes too thick, a quick splash of water loosens it up perfectly.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring them through the creamy sauce so every bite is infused with flavor. Remove from heat and get ready to dive into a soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and freshness that contrast the rich and creamy sauce. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese look and taste fantastic as well.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted asparagus adds a refreshing crunch and balances the meal beautifully. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for that cozy, inviting vibe, or plate it elegantly in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you crave a little heat. The glow of the creamy sauce against bright greens and tomatoes makes it visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the leftovers to room temperature before refrigerating them in an airtight container. Your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
While the texture of gnocchi can change slightly when frozen, you can absolutely freeze this dish. Use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks too thick upon reheating, add a splash of milk or water to bring it back to that ideal creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works wonderfully in this recipe—just be sure not to overcook them since they cook quickly in the sauce.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick.
Can I swap chicken for another protein?
Yes! Shrimp or Italian sausage can be delicious alternatives and offer a fun twist on the classic Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Choose gluten-free gnocchi, which are often made from potato and rice flour, and verify that your chicken stock is gluten-free as well.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding spinach to reduce its volume, or sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, which naturally thickens the mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treasure you want to keep coming back to. It’s straightforward, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite. If you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe is exactly what you need—trust me, you’re going to love it!
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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken pieces, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits add rich flavor to the sauce.
- Add cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the potato gnocchi. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi are tender.
- Incorporate additional flavors: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in smoked paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined and smooth.
- Add spinach: Toss in the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine chicken and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated potato gnocchi for best texture; avoid frozen unless specified.
- For extra smoky flavor, you may add a pinch more smoked paprika.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
