There is something irresistibly comforting about this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. Picture tender, juicy chicken pieces swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce infused with sun-dried tomato pesto and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with pillowy gnocchi and vibrant baby spinach. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes yet delivers restaurant-quality flavors that warm your soul. Whether you are looking for a quick family dinner or a special meal to impress friends, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe checks every box with its rich texture and perfectly balanced taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh, quality ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the tender chicken providing savoriness to the gnocchi offering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite, and the creamy sauce tying it all together beautifully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Use fresh chicken breasts for juicy, tender bites that soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to golden perfection and adding a hint of fruitiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature: The foundation of the sauce, bringing richness and smoothness.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Balances the cream with a savory note and keeps the sauce light.
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that elevates the sauce.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto: Infuses the dish with a sweet, tangy, and herbal punch.
- 1 pound gnocchi (1 package): Soft, tender dumplings that absorb all the lovely sauce flavors.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: Bursts of fresh, vibrant color and a mild, earthy contrast.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chicken
Begin by seasoning the cubed chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear it until each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks beautifully golden. This step locks in the juiciness and builds a flavorful base for your dish. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce and gnocchi.
Step 2: Make Sauce and Cook Gnocchi
Using the same skillet keeps all those wonderful browned bits and flavor from the chicken. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine them. Sprinkle in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the mixture. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto, which adds a vibrant color and tantalizing aroma. Add the gnocchi to the skillet, cover with a lid, and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will soften and soak up that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and gently fold them into the bubbling sauce. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook just until the leaves have wilted, about 2 minutes. This quick step keeps the spinach bright and tender, adding a fresh contrast that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce. Your comforting Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is now ready for serving!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe even more special, I love sprinkling some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A few torn fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a wonderful herbal fragrance and an elegant touch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and make every plate feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This creamy wonder works beautifully as a one-pan meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette adds just the right amount of brightness to your meal. For a heartier option, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli bring a satisfying crunch and enhance the vibrant colors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe in small, charming individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. You can also layer it with some toasted pine nuts for added texture or swirl in a touch of pesto just before serving to heighten those fresh, zingy notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its wonderful flavor and texture.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, so gently stir when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help restore that silky consistency and fresh taste you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly well and often only requires a minute or two longer to cook. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times and adjust accordingly when combining with the sauce.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomato pesto?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomato pesto, you can use regular pesto or even a roasted red pepper spread to add a different but equally delicious flavor dimension to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor while making the dish dairy-free.
Can I prepare this recipe without chicken?
Definitely. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor. The sauce and gnocchi are so flavorful that they shine on their own.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered after mixing all ingredients, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water. This will give you a nice, creamy consistency without altering the taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing a bowl of creamy, comforting food that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor or elegance. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that becomes an instant classic in any household, perfect for weekday dinners or weekend treats. I hope you’ll give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken gnocchi recipe features tender cubed chicken cooked to perfection and combined with pillowy gnocchi in a rich, flavorful sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Fresh baby spinach is stirred in at the end for a touch of green and added nutrition. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent yet is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 pound gnocchi (1 package)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and slightly golden on the outside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: Using the same skillet (do not clean it to keep flavor), pour in the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Stir these ingredients together to combine and create a creamy sauce. Add the gnocchi to the skillet, cover it with a lid, and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors and become tender as it cooks in the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Spinach: After the gnocchi has cooked, stir in the cooked chicken pieces and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
- Serve: Once the spinach has wilted and all components are hot and combined, serve the creamy chicken gnocchi immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If sun-dried tomato pesto is not available, you can substitute with regular pesto or sun-dried tomatoes blended with olive oil and garlic.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
