If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet impressive meal, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender, juicy chicken pieces mingling with pillowy gnocchi, all bathed in a luscious, velvety cream sauce enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, smoky paprika, and fresh spinach. It’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and indulgent without any fuss, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. You’ll love how this recipe comes together quickly yet delivers big on flavor and texture, making it a go-to for busy nights that deserve a bit of homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Each component plays a key role— from the tender chicken and silky gnocchi to the rich cream sauce dotted with savory and bright elements that make every bite pop.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown, adding a fruity depth and crispness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even sauce coating.
- Italian seasoning: A herby blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and bring out the natural flavors.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps build a luscious base for the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory punch that’s the heart of so many comforting dishes.
- Unsalted chicken stock: Used to deglaze the pan and add depth without overpowering the creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Gives the sauce its signature silky texture and rich taste.
- Potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully, making every forkful dreamy.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness, balancing the cream with a hint of warmth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a concentrated burst of tangy sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing nuttiness and umami that elevate every bite.
- Baby spinach leaves: Offers freshness and a pop of color, wilting perfectly into the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat—that sizzling sound means flavors are about to come alive. Add your cubed chicken, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook for about six minutes until each piece is perfectly golden and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. This step sets the foundation for the rest of the dish by locking in juicy, well-seasoned protein.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Garlic and Butter
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. The butter will offer a rich, creamy base, perfect for the sauce to come. Add minced garlic and cook just about 20 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. This simple step wakes up the pan and sets a savory stage for the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Depth with Chicken Stock
Pour in the unsalted chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—they hold intense flavor that will boost the sauce wonderfully. This technique brings an extra layer of richness and complexity to your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe.
Step 4: Introduce Cream and Gnocchi for Comfort
Next, stir in the heavy cream, giving the pan a gentle swirl to combine. Add the potato gnocchi right into this creamy mixture and let everything simmer for about five minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly and the gnocchi becoming tender, soaking up all those luscious flavors. This is where the dish truly starts to come together, acquiring its signature silky texture.
Step 5: Season and Enrich with Smoked Paprika, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Parmesan Cheese
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness that balances the cream, the sun-dried tomatoes bring bursts of tangy sweetness, and the Parmesan melts in to boost the umami factor. This flavorful trio is what makes the sauce unforgettable.
Step 6: Freshen Up with Spinach
Add the baby spinach leaves and stir gently until they wilt into the sauce, adding a vibrant green pop and a fresh earthiness that lightens things up beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick at this point, don’t hesitate to add a little water to loosen it—it should be creamy and smooth, not heavy or gloopy.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Serve
Finally, return the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss everything to coat in the luscious sauce. Take the pan off the heat and get ready to dig in immediately. This last step ensures every bite is perfectly saucy and satisfying, a testament to why the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is such a beloved comfort food.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of herbal freshness and color. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of cracked black pepper can also add an inviting finishing touch that makes the skillet look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy, rich skillet pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp side dishes to balance the meal. A mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are great choices. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also work beautifully to mop up every last bit of that divine sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the skillet family-style in the pan placed in the center of the table to encourage sharing and rustic elegance. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls, topping each with a swirl of extra cream or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an upscale touch that’s bound to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that delicious Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe again without compromising its flavors or texture.
Freezing
While the gnocchi’s texture can change slightly when frozen, you can still freeze this dish by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent separation of the creamy sauce. Stir frequently so everything warms evenly and maintains the rich, velvety texture this recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works beautifully here and makes the recipe much quicker and easier to prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative but will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious option. They offer more fat and tenderness, enhancing the creaminess and flavor of the dish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I make it milder or hotter?
The dish isn’t particularly spicy as is, but the smoked paprika adds a mild warmth. To make it milder, reduce or omit the paprika. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when stirring in the spices.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep things vegetarian, swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The gnocchi and creamy sauce still make for a satisfying, comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe never fails to impress with its silky sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying gnocchi. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender pieces of chicken cooked with savory Italian seasoning, sunkissed sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate potato gnocchi simmered in a rich and creamy sauce enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan meal combines hearty protein with soft gnocchi and vibrant veggies for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 and Gnocchi
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the 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, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, incorporating all that flavor into the liquid.
- Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Then add the potato gnocchi to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi become tender.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until they wilt and incorporate into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, or homemade if preferred.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on stove heat—ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Add extra spinach or Parmesan cheese according to taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.
