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If you are on the lookout for a comforting yet elegant dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have found the perfect match with this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach all bathed in a luscious sauce, it’s a dish that combines ease with incredible taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe never fails to impress while being surprisingly simple to pull together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Some deliver richness, others add freshness, and together they turn a quick skillet meal into something truly special.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾-inch pieces): The hearty protein base of this dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Bringing a fragrant mix of herbs that elevate the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A gentle kick of heat that complements the creaminess.
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Small but mighty for that aromatic depth.
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock: For a flavorful liquid backbone in the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The secret to that dreamy, creamy sauce coating every bite.
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings soak up all the savory sauce deliciously.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a gorgeous color to the dish.
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped): Bringing a burst of tangy sweetness to contrast the richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending nutty, salty goodness.
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves: A fresh, vibrant pop of green and subtle earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 6 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through (remember, the internal temperature should reach 165°F). This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the salted butter and let it melt gently. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 20 seconds until wonderfully fragrant. This quick sauté unlocks the garlic’s aroma, setting the stage for the rest of the sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze your pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these caramelized morsels are pure flavor gold and will enrich your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi
Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream and then add the potato gnocchi straight from the package. Allow the skillet mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly and the gnocchi will become tender and pillowy—a perfect marriage of creamy texture and softness.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Turn the heat down to medium-low, then mix in the smoked paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients together create a smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavor profile that turns the sauce into something truly special.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook until they wilt into the sauce. If you find the sauce a bit thick, simply add a splash of water to loosen it up until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Return the Chicken and Serve
Finally, add your cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir everything together so the chicken pieces are beautifully coated in the sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and prepare to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan on top brightens the dish visually and adds that fresh herbal aroma to each bite. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper also lift the flavors just right.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is so satisfying on its own that it doesn’t require much else, but a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables can be lovely companions, balancing the richness and rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi in shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes for a subtle heat. Or spoon it into individual mini skillets for an eye-catching presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover creamy chicken and gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm thoroughly and revive the creamy sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use other types of gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! While potato gnocchi is traditional and offers a pillowy texture, you can use sweet potato gnocchi or ricotta gnocchi if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed until tender.
Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead meals?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it fully, refrigerate, and reheat when ready—or freeze for longer storage. The flavors hold up wonderfully!
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
Sure thing! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, richer flavor if you want a slight twist. Alternatively, turkey breast could work, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure the meat is cooked through.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter to mimic richness. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less thick and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is mild in terms of spiciness, mainly thanks to the smoked paprika which adds smoky warmth rather than heat. If you enjoy a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe—comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or sophistication. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests, and every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a favorite you want to make again and again.
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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
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious sauce made with chicken stock, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, complemented by flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this skillet recipe comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying blend of creamy textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Greens
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 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 (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, adding rich flavor to the sauce.
- Add cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the potato gnocchi. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the gnocchi become tender.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Add spinach: Incorporate the baby spinach leaves into the skillet and stir until they wilt. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine chicken and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, or make your own if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding water as needed when adding spinach.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
