Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

5 from 2 votes

This creamy gnocchi chicken is an easy one-skillet meal with tender gnocchi, juicy chicken & a rich sauce—perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Dinner, Entree

Cuisine: Italian, American

Keyword: gnocchi, pasta recipes, chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken, chicken recipes

Servings: servings

Calories: 548kcal

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning substitute with dried oregano, basil, or your favorite herb mix
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups chicken stock vegetable stock or broth can be used as a substitute; I keep Better than Bouillon on hand so I’m always able to make my own broth in a pinch
1 ½ cups heavy cream substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
½ cup grated parmesan cheese pecorino romano can be used as an alternative
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 ounces potato gnocchi store-bought, shelf-stable gnocchi works great, or try homemade for an extra-special touch
2 cups baby spinach kale or arugula can be used as substitutes

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ ground black pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 - 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken stock, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, ½ cup parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add 16 ounces of gnocchi directly to the sauce and simmer for 5 - 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
Serve warm with freshly chopped basil or more grated parmesan on top!

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it.
Cooking the gnocchi in the sauce enhances its flavor and helps thicken the dish naturally.
Add cooked bacon crumbles or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the flavor profile of this delicious 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.

Storing Instructions:

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.
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.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Prepare the 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.