One-Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi has become a go-to in my kitchen for those nights when I want a restaurant-worthy meal without a pile of dishes. Creamy sauce hugs tender chicken and plush gnocchi while mushrooms and just-wilted spinach keep things lively and balanced. Made start to finish in one big skillet it always impresses and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I can still remember when I cooked it for my husband on a busy Wednesday and he asked if I had secretly ordered takeout.

Every time I make this the smell of sautéing mushrooms fills the whole kitchen and brings everyone in. It is one of those dishes I know will never let me down even with surprise guests or when I am tired from work.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: make this both lean and satisfying Try to pick thicker cutlets for juicy results
• Kosher salt: enhances everything so do not skip it
• Freshly ground black pepper: adds bite and makes the seasoning come alive
• Extra-virgin olive oil: for sautéing and flavor Use a good quality oil for best taste
• Shallot: brings a sweeter and softer taste than regular onion Dice it finely for fast cooking
• Baby bella mushrooms: supply deep earthy flavor Look for firm caps with no dark spots
• Garlic: for aromatics Press or mince the cloves for even flavor
• Fresh thyme leaves: add bright herbal notes Pick stems with perky leaves for maximum freshness
• Dried oregano: offers a classic Italian flavor Reach for fresh fragrant dried oregano
• Low-sodium chicken broth: helps form the sauce base Choose low-sodium to control the saltiness
• Half and half: makes the sauce creamy but not heavy Look for the freshest dairy possible
• Crushed red pepper flakes: give a tiny background heat Use as much or as little as you like
• Shelf stable gnocchi: brings all the tender pillowy comfort Scan for fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for an even better texture
• Shredded mozzarella: melts smoothly and gives the silky pull
• Freshly grated Parmesan: adds salty nutty complexity Always grate from a block for fullest flavor
• Packed baby spinach: wilts into the sauce Choose vibrant green leaves for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides thoroughly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Press seasoning in so it sticks

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high and swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil Add the chicken and cook about four minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms The chicken should lift easily when ready Carefully remove and set on a plate

Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics:

Reduce heat to medium and drizzle in remaining olive oil Scatter in diced shallot and sliced mushrooms Stir often and cook until mushrooms are golden browned and shallot is soft and fragrant This step builds the umami base After five minutes add minced garlic fresh thyme and dried oregano Sauté another minute until everything is very fragrant

Deglaze and Build the Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the skillet Scrape any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to capture all the flavor Slowly add half and half swirling to combine Keep the heat on medium and let everything come up to a gentle simmer Season mixture with more salt pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle warmth

Simmer the Gnocchi and Chicken:

Stir in the gnocchi making sure each piece is coated in sauce Gently nestle the seared chicken breasts back in the pan Let everything simmer uncovered for eight to ten minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the chicken is cooked through Check for a temperature of one sixty five if you want to be precise Turn the chicken once or twice as it simmers

Melt the Cheeses and Wilt Spinach:

Once chicken is done remove it again and keep warm Add mozzarella and parmesan to the skillet and stir carefully until everything melts into the sauce Scatter in the baby spinach and gently fold until just wilted This keeps the spinach bright and tender

Slice and Serve:

Slice the chicken breasts and return to the skillet nestling them in the creamy gnocchi Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed Spoon hearty helpings onto plates with extra sauce from the pan

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Spinach is my not so secret favorite here It folds in last minute and gives you a fresh earthy finish that brightens up the creamy dish My daughter loves swirling her gnocchi through the melted cheese and claims this is the best weeknight dinner ever

Storage Tips

Scoop cooled leftovers into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to three days To reheat add a splash of broth or milk in a skillet over low heat and stir gently This keeps the sauce silky and prevents the chicken from drying out If you want to freeze let the mixture cool completely then pack in a freezer bag or lidded container Defrost overnight in the fridge before warming

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs work beautifully for extra richness or try turkey breast for a leaner version If mushrooms are not your favorite try diced zucchini or red bell pepper For dairy free use full fat coconut milk and a melty vegan cheese blend If you cannot find gnocchi cooked farfalle or penne pasta gets you quite close

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted green beans sprinkled with parmesan For a special meal serve with crusty warm bread to mop up all the sauce For a wine match I love Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay with this creamy dish

A Brief Nod to Comfort Food History

Gnocchi has deep Italian roots as a beloved comfort starch pairing with sauces for centuries The mix of tender dumplings and creamy sauce echoes classic northern Italian cooking and feels deeply familiar and nourishing in any season

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, as they cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce.

→ Can I substitute the gnocchi with another ingredient?

Gnocchi offers a pillowy texture, but small cooked pasta like orecchiette or even diced potatoes can work in a pinch.

→ What vegetables complement this one-pan meal?

Baby spinach and mushrooms are added here, but kale or sun-dried tomatoes can provide a flavorful twist.

→ Which cheeses work best for the creamy sauce?

A blend of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly, giving richness and depth to the sauce.

→ How can I keep the chicken juicy?

Be careful not to overcook it; simmer gently until just cooked through and slice against the grain before serving.