Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Quick & Easy Dinner Idea

This creamy chicken gnocchi skillet recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, combining tender chicken and soft gnocchi in a rich, flavorful sauce.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising speed, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something comforting and delicious.

Forget complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes. This one-pan wonder delivers big on taste with minimal fuss, ensuring you can get a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a true family-friendly favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want to serve something homemade and delicious. Parents will appreciate how quickly it comes together, and kids will love the tender chicken and soft gnocchi bathed in a creamy sauce. It’s also an excellent choice for a cozy weekend dinner when you want comfort food without the extensive prep. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms basic ingredients into something truly special, making it accessible for even novice cooks.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

This section outlines all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious creamy chicken gnocchi skillet. Most of these items are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store, ensuring a stress-free shopping experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if that’s what you have on hand; they’ll add a bit more richness. If you don’t have fresh spinach, a cup of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works just as well. Feel free to use a different type of cheese like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile. For a lighter sauce, you could use half-and-half in place of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy chicken gnocchi skillet is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the hot skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The kitchen will start to smell wonderful at this point.

1. Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This helps to incorporate all the delicious flavors.

1. Add Gnocchi and Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and the potato gnocchi. Make sure the gnocchi are submerged in the sauce as much as possible. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and have puffed up slightly. They should be soft to the touch when gently pressed.

1. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. The cheese will help bind the sauce and add a lovely savory depth.

1. Wilt the Spinach: Finally, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts down into the sauce, which usually takes just 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach will add a beautiful pop of color and freshness.

1. Serve Immediately: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy chicken gnocchi skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can opt for smaller pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini instead of gnocchi, or simply ensure the gnocchi are cut into bite-sized pieces. Adding a handful of frozen peas or corn along with the spinach can also boost the vegetable content in a way that’s often more appealing to younger eaters.

To vary the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a tablespoon of pesto stirred in at the end for an herbaceous boost. You could also swap the chicken for cooked sausage (Italian sausage works wonderfully) or even shrimp, which cooks very quickly. For a heartier meal, serve this skillet with a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the dish beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for when making your creamy chicken gnocchi skillet:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook them just until they are no longer pink in the center. Removing them from the skillet after browning and adding them back in at the end helps maintain their tenderness.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks much faster than onions. Add it towards the end of the onion sautéing time, and cook only until fragrant, usually about 30-60 seconds. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your entire dish.
• Gnocchi Sticking Together: When adding the gnocchi, ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet and stir occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, the gnocchi might stick to the bottom or to each other. A little extra broth can help prevent this.
• Over-reducing the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce consistency. If it becomes too thick too quickly, the gnocchi might not cook properly. You can always add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up if needed.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Taste your dish before serving! Salt and pepper are crucial, but sometimes a little extra Italian seasoning or a pinch of garlic powder can elevate the flavors significantly. Adjust as needed.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy chicken gnocchi skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated successfully with a few considerations.

Storing Leftovers: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: When reheating, the sauce may thicken considerably, and the gnocchi can become a bit softer. To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk/cream while reheating to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Make-Ahead Tips: While the dish is best made fresh, you can do some prep work in advance. You can cube and season the chicken, chop the onion, and mince the garlic a day ahead. Store these prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will significantly cut down on your active cooking time when you’re ready to make the meal. You can also make the sauce base (steps 2 and 3) ahead of time and store it, then add the gnocchi, chicken, and spinach when you’re ready to cook.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.