Creamy Gnocchi Chicken

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Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to make? This creamy gnocchi chicken recipe is the ultimate one-pan meal! Tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce come together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is a keeper!

A bowl of chicken and gnocchi with sauce.

There’s just something irresistible about the combo of soft, pillowy chicken & gnocchi, just like our garlic parmesan pasta. This dish makes dinnertime feel special with minimal effort.

Creamy chicken and gnocchi is also endlessly customizable! Add a handful of fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for an easy twist. And because it’s made entirely in one skillet, cleanup is quick—so you can spend more time relaxing and less time at the sink.

Why We Love Chicken & Gnocchi

Quick and easy
Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner lineup!
One-pan wonder
Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor! You’ll thank yourself later when you only have the one pan to cleanup after this delicious dinner. If you are into one pan meals too, you’ll want to check out our sheet pan thighs.
Customizable
Make this chicken & gnocchi your own and add your favorite veggies or swap the meat for turkey or sausage.

A pan of chicken with brown sauce and greeny vegetables.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Olive oil: Substitute with your preferred cooking oil.
Chicken breasts: You can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for convenience.
Italian seasoning: this blend of herbs is used to enhance the flavor. Substitute with dried oregano, basil, or your favorite herb mix.
Spices: Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika give the dish a well-rounded flavor. Adjust to taste or add chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce. If using salted butter, reduce additional salt in the chicken and gnocchi recipe.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce. Substitute with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Chicken stock: Adds a savory flavor to the sauce. Vegetable stock or broth can be used as a substitute. I always have Better than Bouillon on hand to quickly make my own broth when needed.
Heavy cream: The key to the creamy texture. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.
Potato gnocchi: The star of the recipe. Store-bought, shelf-stable gnocchi works great, or try homemade for an extra-special touch.
Baby spinach: Adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Kale or arugula can be used as substitutes.

Labeled ingredients for gnocchi chicken recipe.

Recipe Variations

Add chicken broth to thin out the sauce for a lighter texture or to create more of a sauce-to-gnocchi ratio.
Stir in a spoonful of flour to thicken the sauce even more—great for those who love a rich and hearty texture.
Start by sautéing chopped onion for added flavor and a slightly sweet base.
Add a pinch of thyme for an herby note that pairs beautifully with creamy dishes.
Love a little spice? A dash of red pepper flakes brings the perfect kick.
For a soup version, thin out the sauce and enjoy it as a cozy creamy chicken gnocchi soup—just like your favorite café-style comfort dish.

Have extra spinach left after making this recipe? Use the rest of that bagged spinach to make Knorr spinach dip.

Equipment Used in this Recipe

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater for parmesan cheese

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Cook the Meat.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the poultry pieces with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic.
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the stock, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Gnocchi
Add gnocchi directly into the sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the broth. It adds a subtle depth to the sauce!

Mixture of raw ingredients in a skillet.

Combine and Add Spinach
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir in baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi warm and garnished with extra parmesan if desired. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

A pan of creamy sauce topped with spinach and cooked chicken.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Add cooked bacon crumbles or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the flavor profile of this delicious recipe.

Serving Suggestions

When you’ve got a bowl of this luscious creamy gnocchi chicken, all you need is something light and fresh to round out the meal. A crisp green salad or arugula salad makes a great contrast to the creamy sauce, while roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a pop of color and nutrition.

Feeling indulgent? Serve this comforting meal with slices of warm sourdough no knead bread—it’s perfect for sopping up that rich, cheesy sauce. And if you’re hosting or want a full dinner experience, start with a simple appetizer like baked dumplings, and finish with a citrusy dessert like lemon bars or fresh berries. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a final touch!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this gnocchi chicken dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the gnocchi recipe as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.

How do I store my creamy chicken and gnocchi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze creamy chicken gnocchi?

While freezing is possible, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and gnocchi separately and make the sauce fresh when reheating.

What other proteins can I use?

Feel free to substitute the meat with cooked sausage, turkey, or shrimp for a different twist on this dish.

Other Dinner Recipes to Consider…

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