One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

I absolutely love how this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe comes together — it’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the tender gnocchi, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how it all cooks in a single pan, saving tons of clean-up time without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want comfort and speed in one meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving that cozy, homemade vibe, you’ll find that this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe hits every note — buttery richness, subtle herbs, and satisfying textures all in one skillet. It quickly became one of my go-to dinners, especially when I’m short on time but don’t want to skimp on flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe plays a vital role in building rich flavor and perfect texture. When shopping, you’ll want fresh chicken and good-quality gnocchi, plus fresh herbs if you can find them — they make all the difference here.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using breasts ensures quick, even cooking and a juicy result when seared properly.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided to sear chicken and sauté veggies; its fruity flavor enhances the sauce.
• Small shallot: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor that blends beautifully into the sauce.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Bring earthiness and meaty texture that complements the chicken.
• Garlic: Minced for that punch of aromatic warmth.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Provide fragrant herbal notes.
• Dried oregano: Contributes slight Mediterranean depth.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the base liquid, balancing richness without being overpowering.
• Half and half: Creates that luscious creamy texture without being heavy.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat — you can adjust to taste.
• Package of gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce like magic.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for a stretchy, gooey element.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Packed with umami and sharpness to round out the cheese blend.
• Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, bright contrast and wilts nicely right into the creamy sauce.

Variations

I love giving this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe a little twist sometimes — it’s so flexible you can really make it your own. Feel free to swap out cheeses, add different veggies, or even change the protein to suit your taste.

• Try it with sausage: I swapped the chicken for Italian sausage once, and my family went crazy for the extra spice and savoriness.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and toss in more mushrooms or even roasted butternut squash for a hearty meatless version.
• Use heavy cream instead of half and half: For an even richer sauce, but be prepared for a more indulgent meal.
• Add kale or swiss chard: I sometimes substitute spinach with these greens for a bit more texture and nutrition.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it’s important that the pan is hot so you get a beautiful golden crust. Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side. This searing seals in the juices and builds flavor. Once golden, remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Shallots and Mushrooms

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced shallot and sliced baby bella mushrooms. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden and soft, about 5 minutes. This slow sauté draws out sweetness and deep earthiness. Then add minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and dried oregano to the pan. Stir and cook for another minute until you can smell those gorgeous aromas filling your kitchen. This step really brings the sauce to life.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce and Simmer With Gnocchi

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet — that’s concentrated flavor right there. Slowly stir in the half and half and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that wakes up the dish without overpowering it. Stir in the package of gnocchi, then nestle the chicken back in the pan. Let it all simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the gnocchi are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Give it a few gentle stirs here and there to keep things from sticking.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Wilt the Spinach

Once the chicken is cooked and the gnocchi are tender, remove the chicken briefly and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan into the sauce. Stir until the cheeses completely melt and create a luscious, creamy coating. Next, add your baby spinach and stir just until it wilts — this only takes a minute or two. The spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness to balance all the richness.

Step 5: Slice and Return the Chicken

Slice your cooked chicken breasts into thick pieces and return them to the skillet, nestling them gently back into the creamy gnocchi mixture. Taste your dish and add more salt and pepper if needed — seasoning is key with creamy dishes like this. Serve hot, straight from the pan for the coziest dinner experience!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley — it adds a fresh herbal pop that balances the creamy richness. If you want a little zing, a tiny drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up beautifully. Freshly cracked black pepper on top is a must for me, too!

Side Dishes

Since this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe is pretty hearty on its own, I like to keep sides light and simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect, or roasted asparagus for a bit of crunch and freshness. Sometimes I serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce — totally irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes plate individual portions in shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan and a sprig of thyme. It turns dinner into something that looks restaurant-worthy without adding hassle. Another fun idea is to serve it family-style right from the pan, inviting everyone to dig in — it feels cozy and communal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the creamy sauce silky. Just be mindful that gnocchi can absorb some sauce over time, so it might thicken up a bit.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the creamy sauce tends to separate and the gnocchi can get mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider cooking the chicken and sauce separately from the gnocchi and combining later fresh.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen the sauce and keep everything creamy. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts and stir often to avoid overheating and drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe holds a special spot in my recipe collection because it’s the perfect hassle-free, comforting dinner that still feels like an occasion. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded how small kitchen tricks and simple ingredients can create something really delicious and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do — it’s like a warm hug on a plate that you can pull together any night of the week!

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