Meet your new weeknight hero: the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish. It’s so much more than just a quick dinner — it’s creamy, vibrant, and bursting with comfort in every bite. Plump potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a medley of fresh veggies all cozy up in a lush, Parmesan-laced sauce, promising no-fuss cleanup and lots of happy faces at the table. If you’re longing for a recipe that effortlessly marries Italian-inspired flavors with minimum effort, you’re about to fall in love!

One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when just a handful of simple, real ingredients come together in one pot — and this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is living proof! Each component brings something essential, whether it’s savory depth, a pop of color, or irresistible creaminess.

Chicken breasts: Lean, tender protein that soaks up the flavors and keeps this dish hearty.
Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps everything get a golden start in the pan.
Onion: Lends that unmistakable savory sweetness — it’s the aromatic base for the sauce.
Garlic: Minced for punchy, aromatic lifts that infuse every bite with warmth.
Cherry tomatoes: Their bursts of juicy sweetness brighten up the dish in flavor and color.
Baby spinach: Wilts in at the end, giving each bowl a hit of gentle green goodness.
Dried Italian seasoning: A shortcut to perfectly blended herbal notes.
Salt and pepper: Just enough to pull every ingredient together and make the flavors sing.
Potato gnocchi: Soft little dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce; use gluten-free if needed!
Chicken broth: Adds depth and ensures everything simmers to tender perfection.
Heavy cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every ingredient.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty finish that makes each mouthful irresistible.
Fresh basil (optional): For a fragrant, fresh garnish that makes the flavors pop and the dish look gorgeous.

How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start with a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, then cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and fragrant — about three minutes. This step is all about building a flavorful foundation that will echo throughout the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish.

Step 2: Add and Cook Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, scattering over the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let the chicken brown and cook through, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes. The chicken should be golden at the edges and no longer pink—this way you’re locking in all that juiciness!

Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes

Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for about two minutes. They’ll soften slightly, releasing their sweet-tart juices into the mix. Not only do they add flavor, but those bright pops of red also give this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish its inviting, rustic look.

Step 4: Simmer Gnocchi with Broth

Pour in the gnocchi and chicken broth, scraping the bottom to make sure you’re getting every bit of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for four to five minutes. This is when the gnocchi become delightfully tender and start absorbing all those delicious juices.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

Now for the best part: stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another two minutes, just until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and coats everything. It’s transformation time — your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 6: Fold in Spinach and Serve

Turn off the heat and fold in the baby spinach, stirring just until it wilts. Your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is now creamy, bright, and ready to serve. Spoon it into bowls and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra color and fragrance.

How to Serve One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh basil leaves is always a winning move for your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish, lending an herby aroma and a gorgeous pop of green. You could also add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper for a flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to shine as a standalone meal, but if you’re setting a larger table, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables. A basket of crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that glorious, creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish in wide, shallow bowls for a cozy, bistro feel, or portion it into mini ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch. For a colorful twist, toss in extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to make the plate even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish to an airtight container once cooled. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making for delicious lunches or lazy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce in this recipe can change texture a bit after freezing, you can absolutely freeze portions if needed. Spoon cooled One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Just pack it tightly to help maintain the texture.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but go slow and stir often. This will bring your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish back to its creamy, dreamy self!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and is very convenient! Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken after the gnocchi have cooked, just long enough to warm through, as it’s already fully cooked.

Is it possible to use frozen gnocchi?

Absolutely! You don’t even need to thaw them first — just add the frozen gnocchi directly to the pan, and cook for an extra minute or two to ensure they become tender and soak up the flavors.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter touch, swap in half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Both options will still give your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish a lovely, velvety texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Leave out the chicken, add your favorite meatless protein (chickpeas or white beans work nicely), and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The rest of the method stays the same.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Just substitute the regular potato gnocchi with a certified gluten-free brand. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish friendly to a wide range of eaters.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish, you’ll see why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s creamy, comforting, and practically effortless — perfect for busy evenings or those times when you crave something truly special but uncomplicated. Go ahead and give it a try… your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

This One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is a delicious and creamy Italian-inspired meal that is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach come together in a flavorful sauce that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dish:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add chicken, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Stir in cherry tomatoes. Cook until slightly softened.
Add gnocchi and chicken broth, simmer covered until tender.
Stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook until sauce is creamy.
Fold in spinach, cook until wilted. Garnish with basil and serve.