Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again thanks to this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. Tender chunks of chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and colorful veggies are all enveloped in a dreamy, garlicky cream sauce that makes every bite irresistibly rich. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you need a meal that tastes like a hug. The blend of Italian spices, fresh spinach, and melty Parmesan cheese ensures this recipe hits every flavor note just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this dish is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component plays an important role. Look for freshness and good-quality staples—you’ll really taste the difference in the final result. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe:
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing and giving the chicken gorgeous, flavorful browning.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender bites in every spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the savory flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that classic herbal backdrop that makes the sauce taste authentically Italian.
- Butter: Brings richness and depth, creating the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
- Onion: Chopped finely for a subtle sweetness and aromatic note to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into that luscious, spoon-coating texture.
- Chicken broth: Lends savory depth and balances the richness of the dairy.
- Whole milk: Gives the sauce a creamy base while keeping things light and silky.
- Heavy cream: For that ultra-rich, luxurious finish you crave in comfort food.
- Potato gnocchi: Chewy, fluffy and perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce—store-bought is totally fine!
- Shredded carrots: Add a pop of color and subtle sweetness and meld wonderfully with the creaminess.
- Baby spinach: Wilts right into the dish, adding freshness and nutrition.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and the perfect finishing touch for a full-bodied flavor boost.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Brightens up your bowls and makes everything look extra inviting.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with a generous sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to your hot pan, spreading them out evenly so they sear beautifully. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Scoop the chicken pieces out and set them aside on a plate; they’ll return to the party soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt to pick up all those tasty browned bits left behind by the chicken. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds or just until fragrant—this keeps the garlic from burning and tasting bitter.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir the mixture continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will work its magic in thickening your sauce, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Build the Creamy Base
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the whole milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking to ensure a lump-free, velvety texture. Let the mixture come up to a gentle simmer and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll start seeing that creamy goodness come together right before your eyes.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Carrots
Gently stir in the potato gnocchi and shredded carrots. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and start floating to the top. The carrots will soften and sweeten the sauce at the same time.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach, Chicken, and Cheese
Add the baby spinach, reserved cooked chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese to your pot. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a little extra salt or pepper if you like. Serve your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe warm, topped with chopped parsley for a flourish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only makes your bowl pop with color, but also adds a little fresh flavor to balance the richness. Try a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. If you love a bit of crunch, freshly cracked black pepper or toasted breadcrumbs provide a fun upgrade.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is sensational all on its own, but it shines even brighter next to warm, crusty bread (perfect for swiping up every last bit of sauce). A side salad with lemony vinaigrette also offers a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy main event. For a bigger spread, consider roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the gnocchi in individual bowls with a swirl of cream and a pinch of fresh herbs on top. For a dinner party, ladle it into rustic soup tureens, or even spoon into hollowed-out bread bowls for the ultimate cozy delight. You could even set up a “toppings bar” with chopped bacon, more cheese, or sautéed mushrooms for guests to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors become even more delicious as they meld together overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. While the sauce may thicken a bit after freezing, a splash of milk or broth during reheating will bring it back to life. Freeze for up to two months for easy future meals.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the gnocchi gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If needed, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. Individual portions can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring between each round for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply add it to the sauce in the final step to warm through before serving. This keeps the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe quick and extra easy.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux and use gluten-free gnocchi. Double-check your chicken broth as well for any hidden gluten. You’ll still enjoy all the creamy, hearty flavors.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk?
Definitely! If you’d like a lighter but still creamy sauce, half-and-half works nicely. Swap out both the milk and heavy cream and adjust until you reach your desired richness for the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe.
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to get creative with extra vegetables. Mushrooms, peas, diced bell pepper, or even kale would be fantastic. Just sauté heartier veggies with the onions at the start, and stir tender greens in at the end.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi separately?
Nope! One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is that the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce. This saves time and infuses every bite with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s both easy and packed with flavor, you’ve found it! Give this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe a try—you’ll be amazed by how something so simple can deliver such big, cozy rewards. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Chicken Gnocchi dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Add-Ins:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook seasoned chicken until browned, then set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, add garlic, stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in broth, milk, and cream until smooth.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi and carrots, cook until tender, then stir in spinach, cooked chicken, and Parmesan.
- Final Touch: Adjust seasoning, serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Store-bought gnocchi works well.
- Enhance with bacon or mushrooms.
- Leftovers reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
