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One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, luscious cream sauce cooked all in one skillet. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. This adaptable dish features comforting flavors and is easily customizable with veggies, protein swaps, or spice variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Gnocchi and Sauce

  • 1 lb store-bought potato gnocchi
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Greens (optional)

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Fat for Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your preferred dried herbs. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and brown on both sides until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, scraping the browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
  3. Add Broth, Cream, and Gnocchi: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi softens and absorbs the sauce.
  4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy gnocchi mixture. Cover and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Stir in Greens and Cheese: Just before serving, toss in fresh spinach or kale and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir gently until the greens wilt and the cheese melts into the sauce.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown chicken in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh gnocchi for the best pillowy texture, although frozen gnocchi works well too.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid boiling and curdling the cream.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to brighten the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, creamy chicken, gnocchi, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, skillet recipe