If you’re looking for an all-in-one comfort dish that tastes like pure love in a bowl, Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is where it’s at. Picture tender golden chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and sun-dried tomatoes all coated in a silky, savory sauce that clings to every bite. This dish comes together surprisingly fast, yet brings together all the flavors and textures of a meal that’s taken hours. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to impress absolutely anyone—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi!

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe has a starring role. Simple staples get transformed into layers of flavor and color, making each bite satisfying and memorable. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy skillet dinner:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything caramelize beautifully in the pan.
Chicken breasts: Stay juicy and tender, soaking up all the seasoned goodness.
Seasoning of choice: Customizes the flavor base—rotisserie-style blends are especially flavorful.
Shallot: Brings gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Infuse tangy, savory notes that truly make the dish pop.
Store-bought gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that cook up quickly and make this dish hearty.
Chicken broth: Builds the sauce with savory depth and allows everything to simmer together perfectly.
Cream: Turns the sauce gorgeously silky and rich—don’t skip it!
Spinach leaves: Add freshness and a burst of color, balancing all that creamy goodness.
Salt and pepper: Heighten every flavor and let you fine-tune to taste.
Fresh thyme: Offers a herby lift that feels both cozy and fresh.
Grated Parmesan: A final flourish that melts into the sauce, delivering that marvelous cheesy bite.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Begin by getting your chicken ready. Pound the breasts thin or slice them so they cook evenly and quickly. Generously sprinkle your seasoning on both sides; I love the way a rotisserie chicken blend adds instant big flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Let each side get golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Once it’s done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it nearby—you’ll want it ready to reunite with the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Don’t wipe out the skillet! Add a bit more oil, then toss in those finely sliced or minced shallots and the sun-dried tomatoes. This is where the magic (and irresistible smells) begin. Sauté everything for a solid five minutes, allowing the shallots to turn soft and golden and the tomatoes to release their concentrated flavor into the pan—it’s the foundation for the entire creamy sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Next up: the gnocchi! Pour the little dumplings into the same pan with all those fragrant tomato-shallot bits, then cover them with chicken broth. Give it a gentle simmer; as the gnocchi cooks, it soaks up all the savory broth, plumps up beautifully, and thickens the sauce in the best way. In about five minutes, you’ll see that classic pillowy texture form.

Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach

Now, turn the whole skillet into creamy perfection. Stir in your cream and handfuls of spinach, letting everything blend together and the spinach wilt into the sauce. Keep the heat at a low simmer, so the sauce gently thickens and becomes delightfully velvety. These few minutes of patience pay off with every dreamy bite of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.

Step 5: Season and Finish With Chicken

Taste your sauce—it’s time to brighten the dish with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Once it’s just right, nestle your cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning a bit of sauce over the top to coat it lovingly. Let it warm through for a minute or two so everything comes together in creamy, cozy harmony.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon generous helpings of gnocchi and sauce into bowls, slice the chicken if desired, and nestle it right on top. Take a moment for that final flourish of grated Parmesan, either sprinkled right onto each serving or swirled into the sauce for a cheesy finish. Your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Garnishes

For unforgettable presentation and bursts of extra flavor, top each bowl of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra thyme leaves. If you like a hint of zing, try a light drizzle of the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten things up.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines as a one-pan meal, but it pairs beautifully with a bright green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans add color and freshness alongside the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi—classic, simple, and perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, serve individual gratin dishes straight from the oven or skillet for a cozy, restaurant-style touch. For family gatherings, arrange the chicken sliced on top of a big platter of gnocchi bathed in sauce, then let everyone serve themselves. Mini cast iron skillets also make for a stunning, rustic presentation that puts the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi right at center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce stays creamy, and the gnocchi remains pillowy when stored right—just be sure to cover it well to lock in all that flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion portions of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi into freezer-safe containers once fully cooled. It can freeze for up to two months, though the gnocchi may soften some upon thawing. Lay a piece of parchment on top before sealing to help minimize freezer burn and keep textures as luscious as possible.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen up the sauce. For a quick meal, the microwave works, too—just stir halfway through and sprinkle on extra Parmesan before serving to make it just as delightful as when it was fresh.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken for Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Simply shred or slice cooked chicken and add it to the sauce right before serving to warm it through. This shortcut shaves off extra prep time and makes Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi even easier for busy nights.

What’s the best kind of gnocchi for this recipe?

Store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi is both convenient and perfect for this one-pan method—they hold up well and cook quickly in the sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi work beautifully, too!

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi gluten free?

Yes, just swap in a gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry them) and ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same and is just as creamy and irresistible.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to customize the veggie blend! Mushrooms, kale, or peas would all be fantastic additions. Just sauté your chosen vegetables with the shallots for extra flavor and variety in your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while simmering or reheating, simply stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency. This helps restore that luscious, silky texture every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and undeniably delicious, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked just like I am. Give this recipe a try, and your dinner routine will never be the same!