Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken and gnocchi dish promises pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Soft potato dumplings nestled alongside tender chicken create a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Classic Italian ingredients blend seamlessly in this soul-satisfying recipe.

Rich cream sauce coats each pillowy morsel with incredible depth and flavor.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you craft this simple yet elegant plate.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas that will make everyone eager to gather around the table.

Best Way to Store Chicken and Gnocchi

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to maintain sauce consistency.

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink spots and juices should run clear.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure they are fully thawed before adding to the sauce. Fresh or frozen both work well in this creamy dish.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

What Makes Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Special

• Savor One-Pan Simplicity: Skip the multiple dish cleanup with this streamlined recipe that allows you to cook chicken, create sauce, and combine ingredients all in the same skillet.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques, making it perfect for home cooks seeking impressive results.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with shrimp or add different vegetables to personalize the dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Meets Nutrition: Enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and creamy satisfaction that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Dish

• Chicken: Tender, seasoned protein that adds savory flavor and substance to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that provides depth and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the primary carbohydrate in the recipe.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Foundational seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, warm depth to the sauce.

• Spinach, Sundried Tomatoes: Fresh and concentrated vegetable additions that provide color, nutrition, and complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop flavor and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream: Liquid components that create a rich, creamy sauce base.

Making Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi at Home

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Quickly sauté until the garlic becomes aromatic. Pour in chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Carefully add gnocchi and let it cook, allowing the sauce to thicken and the gnocchi to become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Layer in Delicious Extras

• Smoked paprika
• Sundried tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese

Mix everything until well combined and the cheese begins to melt.

Step 5: Wilt and Combine

Toss in fresh spinach and stir until it wilts completely. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to coat with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat immediately and transfer to serving dishes.

Enjoy your luxurious one-pan meal while it’s hot and steamy!

Tips to Nail Chicken and Gnocchi

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior and lock in juicy flavors. This technique ensures maximum caramelization and enhances overall taste.
• Avoid overcooking gnocchi to prevent a mushy consistency. Cook just until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes for perfect tenderness.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add chicken stock or water to thin it out. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without breaking the sauce.
• Add spinach at the last moment to preserve its vibrant green color and nutritional value. Gently fold it into the hot dish, allowing it to wilt naturally without turning soggy.

Chicken Gnocchi Styles to Try Next Time

• Spicy Southwest Gnocchi: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add diced jalapeños. Swap sundried tomatoes for roasted green chiles and use pepper jack cheese instead of parmesan.
• Mediterranean Herb Gnocchi: Use oregano and thyme instead of Italian seasoning. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Replace spinach with fresh arugula for a peppery kick.
• Mushroom Truffle Gnocchi: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms before adding chicken. Drizzle truffle oil at the end and garnish with fresh thyme. Use gruyère cheese for a rich, nutty flavor.

Sides That Match Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Well

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the creamy, rich chicken and gnocchi dish, enhancing its savory flavors with balanced acidity.
• Create Herb-Infused Bread Side: Prepare garlic rosemary focaccia or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural contrast and amplifying the meal's Mediterranean profile.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending tender chicken with pillowy potato dumplings in a rich, velvety sauce. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 16 ounces gnocchi

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
2. Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Pour chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up caramelized remnants.
3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Introduce gnocchi and allow them to cook, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and the sauce slightly reduces, around 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate smoked paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Add fresh spinach leaves and gently fold until they wilt completely. If sauce appears too thick, splash additional liquid to maintain desired consistency. Return reserved chicken to the skillet and integrate with the creamy mixture.
6. Remove from heat immediately and plate the dish, ensuring even distribution of chicken, gnocchi, and sauce.

Notes

• Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
• Use fresh Italian seasoning blend or mix your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for deeper flavor profile.
• Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based version that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 489 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 435 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg