If you’re craving a cozy meal that’s pure comfort from start to finish, you simply can’t miss this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. Pillowy gnocchi swim in a rich, velvety sauce, mingling with tender chicken, baby spinach, and savory Parmesan for a one-pan dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight and worthy of a dinner party. Whether you serve it piping hot on a cold night or as a hearty main course with friends gathered round, this irresistible classic is about to become your new favorite—just wait until everyone gets that first, creamy, dreamy bite!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is that every ingredient matters, making the final dish creamy, flavorful, and beautiful. With basic items from your pantry and fridge, you’ll create a meal that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Here’s what goes into the magic and why!

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps blend all the flavors as you sauté the aromatics.
Butter: Gives the sauce a luxurious, silky finish and enhances the flavor of the onions and garlic.
Onion (chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Essential for its aromatic punch—don’t skip it for full flavor!
Salt: Balances and boosts all the other flavors in the pan.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle kick to each bite.
Italian seasoning: Instantly evokes that classic Italian-American comfort vibe with notes of oregano and basil.
Cooked shredded chicken: Makes the dish hearty and satisfying—rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut.
Baby spinach (chopped): Tosses in fresh color and a pop of nutrients without overpowering the creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a salty, nutty depth.
Heavy cream: The star of the show! It makes everything silky-smooth and utterly decadent.
Chicken broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency and carries flavor into every corner of the pan.
Potato gnocchi (16 oz package): Those soft, chewy morsels soak up all the creamy goodness—no boiling required!
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh touch right before serving for extra color and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted and begins to sizzle, toss in your chopped onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and just starting to turn golden—this is your first layer of flavor. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and let everything sizzle for another 30 seconds. The fragrance at this stage is incredible; it’s the foundation that brings the whole dish together.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

Now, add in the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Give everything a generous stir to combine, and watch the sauce start to come together as the cheese melts and the cream thickens. At this stage, you’ll see bright green flecks from the spinach and rich creaminess swirling in the pan—this is what dreams are made of!

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

Without bothering to pre-boil the gnocchi, simply add them straight to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. The gnocchi will soak up all those delicious, creamy flavors while becoming perfectly soft and tender. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the sauce—if it looks too thick, just loosen it with a splash of broth or cream. Taste and adjust your seasonings at the end so it’s just right for you.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the gnocchi are delightfully tender, remove your skillet from heat. Top with a shower of fresh chopped parsley for a nice burst of color and brightness. Serve warm, and watch as everyone’s eyes light up at the first forkful—this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe always disappears fast!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a grating of extra Parmesan cheese. Both give a fresh flavor hit and a visual pop, making the dish as stunning to look at as it is tasty. For extra flair, add a few cracks of black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and hearty, so lighter sides balance everything out beautifully. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a piece of crusty bread to sop up every last drop of creamy sauce. Even simple steamed broccoli or asparagus makes a lovely pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the creamy gnocchi in shallow bowls and top each portion with a small mound of extra shredded chicken, or ladle into small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party. If you’re hosting, try offering mini portions as an elegant starter. No matter how you dish it up, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe keep beautifully! Allow any extra to cool completely, then scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, making it even creamier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to two months, though keep in mind the texture of the gnocchi and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, portion cooled gnocchi into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, reheat the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s original silky consistency. A microwave works as well, just use low power and pause to stir often so everything warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have homemade potato gnocchi, use them instead of packaged gnocchi. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as freshly made gnocchi may be more delicate and cook faster in the sauce.

Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. The sauce will be slightly less rich, but still wonderfully creamy and delicious.

What can I use in place of chicken?

For a vegetarian twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead of chicken. You can also substitute with cooked turkey, or even some cooked Italian sausage for a different flavor direction.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Many stores now carry gluten-free gnocchi made with potato or alternative flours. Just double-check all your ingredient labels to ensure the whole dish stays gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit more chicken broth or cream, a splash at a time, until you reach the perfect texture. This is an easy fix and keeps every bite of your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe beautifully saucy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a bowlful of effortless indulgence, give this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe a try. It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and made in just one pan. Share it with family, serve it to friends, and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe. A satisfying one-pan dish that combines tender potato gnocchi with seasoned chicken, spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce.

Ingredients

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Main Dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup baby spinach (chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add Chicken and Greens: Mix in shredded chicken, spinach, Parmesan, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer gently.
Cook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi to the skillet and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving the creamy chicken gnocchi warm.