Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
There’s something magical about a skillet dinner that checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, satisfying, and fast. This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is your go-to for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or anytime you’re craving a warm, carb-loaded hug in a bowl.
Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this one-pan dish brings Italian comfort straight to your table—without the fuss of a full pasta dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is everything I want in a weeknight meal:
- One skillet.
- 30ish minutes.
- No boiling separate pasta.
- And flavors that taste like they simmered for hours.
The gnocchi cooks right in the creamy broth, soaking up all that rich goodness. The spinach adds a fresh touch, while the Parmesan melts into every bite. It’s a cozy, creamy dream—no need to overcomplicate.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, and red bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in thyme and basil.
3. Make the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Add Gnocchi & Chicken
Stir in gnocchi and cook 3–5 minutes until tender. Return chicken to the pan. Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
5. Finish with Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work too.
- If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work—no need to pre-cook either.
- For a lower-fat version, sub half-and-half with evaporated milk or whole milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crusty baguette or warm focaccia for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
- Add a light salad like arugula and shaved Parmesan with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
When dinner needs to be warm, satisfying, and fast, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi skillet delivers. It’s hearty without being heavy, elegant enough for company, and easy enough for Tuesday night.
Let it become a new comfort classic in your kitchen. And if you put your own twist on it—extra veggies, spicy sausage, or mushrooms—I’d love to hear how it goes!
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
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