If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dinner that comes together in under half an hour (with minimal cleanup), One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi is your new weeknight hero. This recipe combines tender bites of chicken, pillowy soft gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—all in a single skillet. It’s a cozy meal you’ll want to make on repeat, perfect for satisfying your cravings without leaving your kitchen in chaos.

One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture, making the dish truly irresistible. You won’t need anything fancy, just real ingredients that come together for a restaurant-worthy meal.

Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Salt: Essential for highlighting every savory note in the dish.
Black pepper: Offers a subtle warmth that balances the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant, robust foundation to the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and cream.
Potato gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings that cook right in the sauce, soaking up every drop.
Chicken broth: Adds depth while helping the gnocchi cook to perfection.
Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously silky sauce for that signature comfort factor.
Baby spinach leaves: Provides a fresh pop of green and a touch of earthy flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of sweet juiciness and beautiful color in every bite.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and let it brown for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and cooked through. This beautifully caramelized chicken is the flavor base for your One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Fragrance

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s gloriously aromatic. The smell is your cue: the garlic shouldn’t brown, just bloom. This quick step infuses the oil and chicken with savory, unmistakable depth that defines the entire dish.

Step 3: Simmer the Gnocchi

Stir in your potato gnocchi straight from the package, followed by chicken broth and heavy cream. Mix it all together, then bring the creamy mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the gnocchi turns soft and the sauce begins to thicken up. The gnocchi will soak up all that goodness, becoming extra flavorful.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Flavor Bursts

Add the baby spinach leaves and stir until they’re just wilted; this only takes a minute or so. Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish. Finally, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, giving the dish a fresh, juicy pop and a splash of color.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Spoon the One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi into wide bowls or deep plates so everyone can dig into those pillowy gnocchi and scoop up plenty of creamy sauce. Serve it hot and watch it vanish quickly!

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi

Garnishes

Finish your One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi with a shower of more grated Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil or parsley. If you enjoy a touch of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zing!

Side Dishes

This creamy dish is genuinely satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous sauce, a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables for a lighter touch. Each accentuates the meal without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi family-style in the skillet at the table for maximum comfort-food vibes. Or, portion it into individual ramekins and broil with extra Parmesan for a bubbly, browned topping that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you), transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and is easy to reheat for a quick lunch or cozy dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, let the One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works too—just cover to retain moisture and stir halfway through. The gnocchi will plump right back up!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is wonderfully convenient and cooks up soft and tender in this skillet dish. No need to boil separately—let it simmer right in the sauce so it absorbs maximum flavor.

What’s the best way to cut chicken so it cooks evenly?

Slice the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This not only keeps the cooking time short and sweet but also ensures every bite is juicy and thoroughly seasoned.

Can I add other vegetables to One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi?

You bet! Mushrooms, peas, or zucchini are delicious here. Add firmer vegetables like mushrooms early (after the chicken) so they have time to soften, or toss in tender veggies like peas in the final minutes of cooking.

How can I make the dish lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For extra flavor with less richness, try stirring in a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the very end—just don’t let it boil, to prevent curdling.

Does One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi work for meal prepping?

It’s a great candidate for meal prep! Portion into individual containers and refrigerate. The gnocchi holds up nicely and the flavors deepen as they sit, making lunches or dinners extra satisfying and effortless.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this homey One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe! It’s the kind of meal that turns any evening into a comforting occasion and makes cleanup a breeze. If you love effortless, flavor-packed dinners as much as I do, this one will quickly become your go-to favorite. Enjoy every creamy, cozy bite!

One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan chicken and gnocchi dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce come together with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Gnocchi:

16 oz potato gnocchi
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Cook the Gnocchi: Add garlic, gnocchi, chicken broth, and cream to the skillet. Simmer until gnocchi are tender and sauce thickens.
Finish the Dish: Stir in spinach until wilted, then add Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes. Serve hot.