If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in one pot, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with pillowy soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, fragrant herbs, and rich buttery flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that tastes like a warm hug — creamy, hearty, flavorful, and satisfying in every single bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something delicious without hours in the kitchen, this dish delivers pure comfort with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
This dish is cozy, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make.
- One-pot recipe — minimal cleanup.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy, rich garlic-Parmesan flavor.
- Soft gnocchi cooks right in the sauce.
- Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for leftovers.
- Feels gourmet but uses simple ingredients.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Unlike many pasta dishes, gnocchi becomes unbelievably tender when simmered directly in the sauce, absorbing every bit of flavor. Combined with juicy chicken pieces, aromatic garlic, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is the perfect balance of richness and comfort. It’s ideal for chilly nights, cozy dinners, or when you want something delicious fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)
For Garnish
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi (Detailed)
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly golden.
2. Add Aromatics
Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce Base
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning.
4. Add Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi directly into the pan. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until tender.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan. Stir until melted and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Add Spinach
Fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Add lemon juice if you prefer a brighter flavor.
7. Serve
Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother.
- Don’t boil after adding cream — simmer gently.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
- Add spinach at the end so it stays vibrant.
- Cook gnocchi right in the sauce — no boiling required!
Variations & Substitutions
- Creamy Bacon Gnocchi: Add crispy bacon bits.
- Mushroom Version: Add mushrooms with the onions.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost: Add peas, cherry tomatoes, or kale.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar or garden salad
- Roasted veggies (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
- Crusty baguette
- White wine or sparkling water
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It won’t melt properly.
- Boiling sauce after adding cream: Can cause curdling.
- Not seasoning the chicken first: Layers of flavor matter.
- Adding gnocchi too late: It needs time to soften and thicken the sauce.
- Using low-quality broth: Flavor depends heavily on the broth.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3–4 days.
- Sauce thickens as it sits — add broth when reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Not recommended for freezing (sauce may separate).
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is the perfect blend of comfort, richness, and simplicity. It delivers a warm, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi all in one cozy bowl. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy every craving for creamy comfort food.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes — just add a few extra minutes to cook.
Can I replace the cream with milk?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner.
Can I add herbs?
Absolutely — thyme, basil, or parsley work wonderfully.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt well — use fresh grated.