This One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is pure comfort food magic! Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in a rich Parmesan cream sauce — all in just 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium shallot, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 16 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the shallot for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.

6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the gnocchi are tender, about 5 minutes.

7. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~580 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~36g

• Protein: ~35g

• Fat: ~33g

• Saturated Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Sodium: ~740mg

• Calcium: ~20% DV

• Iron: ~15% DV

• Potassium: ~700mg

Why One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Is So Popular

The popularity of One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi stems from its irresistible combination of flavor, texture, and convenience. Every forkful offers a perfect bite: juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every ingredient. What sets this dish apart is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing depth or quality. In an age where busy schedules dominate, meals that deliver comfort, flavor, and ease are prized, and this skillet dinner checks every box. It feels like something you would order at a cozy Italian restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to pull off on a weeknight at home.

Perfect for Cozy Weeknights, Date Nights, or Casual Gatherings

One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is versatile enough to fit almost any occasion. It’s cozy and hearty, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling. It’s also elegant and flavorful enough to serve for an at-home date night alongside a crisp glass of white wine. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for casual gatherings with friends or family, offering a satisfying, one-pan meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish brings a little extra comfort and joy to the table.

Celebrating Fresh, Simple Ingredients

At the heart of this recipe are simple, fresh ingredients that come together harmoniously. Chicken thighs are favored for their juicy, tender texture and robust flavor, seasoned lightly with Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Shallots and garlic form a fragrant base, while sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of intense, slightly sweet flavor that cut through the richness of the cream. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a silky sauce that’s decadent without being overpowering. Shelf-stable potato gnocchi cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and becoming tender and light. Fresh spinach and parsley brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness to every bite.

Adaptability and Flavor Variations

One of the great strengths of One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner version, or try Italian sausage for a heartier, spicier take. Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or peas for extra vegetables and flavor variation. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. You can even substitute the gnocchi with short pasta like penne or fusilli if needed. This flexibility makes it easy to reinvent the dish based on seasons, cravings, or pantry supplies.

Nutritional Benefits

Although rich and satisfying, One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi also brings some nutritional advantages. Chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle health and sustained energy. Spinach contributes important vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as fiber and iron, supporting overall wellness. Parmesan cheese, used in moderation, offers calcium for strong bones. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated source of antioxidants like lycopene. Gnocchi, while a comforting carb, is portioned sensibly in this dish, making it filling without being heavy. By balancing indulgent ingredients with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this recipe creates a meal that feels luxurious yet balanced.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

A few small techniques can make a big difference in the final result. Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Brown the chicken thoroughly to develop flavor and create delicious fond at the bottom of the skillet, which enhances the sauce. Deglazing the pan with chicken broth after sautéing the aromatics helps lift those flavorful bits, enriching the sauce. Simmering the gnocchi directly in the sauce rather than boiling separately allows them to absorb more flavor and keeps the dish truly one-pan. Stirring in the spinach right at the end preserves its color and delicate texture, ensuring a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is hearty enough to stand on its own but can be paired with a few simple sides to create a full meal. A crisp, lightly dressed green salad balances the richness of the sauce beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes a perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. A glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s richness while adding a refreshing contrast. For a slightly lighter dinner, pair it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans to add more fiber and variety to the meal.

The Irresistible Comfort of Creamy Skillet Meals

There’s something deeply satisfying about a skillet meal where everything comes together harmoniously in one pan. It simplifies the cooking process, minimizes cleanup, and creates layers of flavor as each ingredient builds on the last. One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi exemplifies this comfort, offering a warm, hearty, flavorful meal that’s both approachable and luxurious. It’s a dish that feels like a culinary hug, offering comfort after a long day and reminding you that great meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s about savoring simple ingredients, cooked well, and enjoyed slowly, one delicious forkful at a time.

Reasons to Love One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe. It’s incredibly quick, coming together in about 30 minutes, making it realistic even on your busiest days. It uses common ingredients yet delivers extraordinary flavor and texture. It’s highly adaptable to dietary preferences and ingredient availability. It’s made in a single pan, simplifying both cooking and cleaning. It’s versatile enough for casual family meals, date nights, or entertaining guests. Most importantly, it’s deeply satisfying, offering rich, creamy comfort with enough freshness and vibrancy to keep every bite interesting and enjoyable.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a shining example of how a few quality ingredients, a single pan, and a little bit of love can produce a truly outstanding meal. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, every element comes together to create pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner, a special meal for loved ones, or simply a new go-to recipe for busy nights, this dish delivers on all fronts. Rich, flavorful, easy, and endlessly satisfying, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.