Creamy chicken and gnocchi became my weeknight hero after one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I needed dinner on the table in twenty minutes flat. I grabbed whatever was in my pantry and created this one-pan wonder that had my teenagers asking for seconds before they even finished their firsts.
There’s something magical about tender chicken pieces nestled with pillowy gnocchi in a velvety cream sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This dish delivers serious comfort food vibes while packing an impressive 35 grams of protein per serving. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup when you’re already exhausted from the day—just like my High-Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken & Potatoes, another one-pan lifesaver.. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times in my own kitchen, and it never fails to impress both my family and dinner guests. The one-pan cooking method means you’ll have tender, golden chicken and perfectly cooked gnocchi ready in under thirty minutes with almost zero cleanup afterward. My favorite aspect is how the gnocchi cooks directly in the creamy sauce, absorbing all those incredible flavors while naturally thickening everything to the perfect consistency. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach adds both color and nutrition without any fuss—similar to the vibrant, veggie-packed approach in my Honey Sriracha Ground Chicken and Broccoli. Even my pickiest eater can’t resist the creamy, savory sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store your leftover creamy chicken and gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Pro tip: I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock since the sauce naturally thickens when cold. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making the leftovers taste even better than the original meal. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for sauce mopping and a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing. In my experience, doubling the recipe works perfectly for meal prep or feeding a larger crowd since it scales up effortlessly in a larger skillet.
This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both quick and incredibly satisfying. The combination of high protein content and comfort food flavors makes it a winner every single time. Give this one-pan wonder a try tonight, and I promise it’ll become your new go-to when you need something that tastes like a warm hug feels.
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
One-pan creamy chicken and gnocchi with 35g protein per serving, ready in under 30 minutes with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in rich cream sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry and toss with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden with crispy edges. Remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same pan. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock, scraping up browned bits with spatula. Add cream and smoked paprika. Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add gnocchi and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they puff up and thicken the sauce.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and spinach. Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Stir gently to coat.
Simmer 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce clings to spoon. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes for sauce to thicken more.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for proper browning. Don’t crowd the chicken – work in batches if needed. Keep cream at gentle simmer to prevent curdling. No need to precook gnocchi – they cook directly in the sauce. Sauce will thicken upon resting.
Hi there! I'm Sarah Thompson, and if you've ever stood in your kitchen wondering, "How do I actually make protein taste good?" – you're exactly where I was seven years ago.
