Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together in a flash, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luscious, sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce, tender chicken bites seasoned just right, and a pop of fresh spinach for color and flavor. This dish tastes like it took hours, but it’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for any weeknight when you crave comfort that truly satisfies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role: some bring richness, others add brightness, and a few create that perfect texture that makes every bite a delight. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crave-worthy dinner.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, warm kick to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing chicken to a golden finish.
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature: Creates that dreamy, silky base for the sauce.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Boosts savory depth without overpowering.
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness to the creamy sauce.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto: Infuses the dish with tangy, vibrant flavor and a gorgeous color splash.
- 1 pound gnocchi (1 package): Soft little pillows that soak up sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: For a mild, fresh touch and lovely green contrast.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chicken to Tender Perfection
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet until shimmering, then toss in the chicken. Cook until each bite reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develops a lovely golden exterior. Once cooked, remove and set aside — we’ll return it to the sauce later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce and Cook the Gnocchi
In the same skillet, don’t clean out the pan because those flavorful browned bits are pure gold. Pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi, cover, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will get tender while soaking in that rich, tangy sauce — it’s pure magic.
Step 3: Bring It All Together With Chicken and Spinach
Now it’s time to reunite the chicken pieces with the sauce and gnocchi. Stir them in along with fresh baby spinach, and cook for 2 more minutes until the spinach wilts just right. This step not only adds freshness but balances out the richness of the sauce with vibrant greens.
Step 4: Serve With Love and Enjoy
Your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is ready to shine. Scoop it onto plates, savor the colors and textures, and dig in while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish further, sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan over the top. A few torn fresh basil or parsley leaves add a delightful herbaceous note and pop of color that invites you to eat with your eyes first.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair this creamy gnocchi with simple sides like garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp Caesar salad. The contrast between creamy and crunchy textures makes every bite a harmonious experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a twist? Serve your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style feel. You can also garnish with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy surprise that complements the softness of the dish beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken gnocchi keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Although gnocchi textures change slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe container and label it to enjoy the convenience later. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of broth or cream can revive the sauce’s creaminess to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of sun-dried tomato pesto?
Absolutely! Regular basil pesto will give a different flavor, but it still pairs wonderfully with chicken and gnocchi. You might want to adjust the quantity to taste to avoid overpowering the creamy base.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
For a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. To maintain creaminess, simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. To keep it hearty, you might also toss in some cooked chickpeas or white beans. The sauce is already decadent enough to stand on its own.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi is the easiest and popular choice here. Fresh gnocchi can be used too, just be mindful of cooking times. You want them tender and soft, not mushy.
How spicy is the dish?
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is mild, but the sun-dried tomato pesto adds a hint of tangy zest rather than heat. If you enjoy a touch of spice, consider sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or at the table.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe truly feels like a little gift to yourself after a busy day. It’s got all the elements of comfort food: creamy sauce, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh greens that brighten the plate. You don’t need fancy skills or hours in the kitchen to impress family or friends with this crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something this easy can taste so deliciously luxurious.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich sun-dried tomato pesto cream sauce studded with fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce & Main Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 pound gnocchi (1 package)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through and golden on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, combine the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Stir well to mix the ingredients, then add the gnocchi to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften and absorb the flavors from the sauce.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce and gnocchi. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Give the dish a final stir, then serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Using room temperature heavy cream helps it blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
- Covering the skillet while cooking the gnocchi helps steam it to a tender texture.
- Fresh baby spinach cooks quickly—avoid overcooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrition.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively, though this will change the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
