One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

I absolutely love how this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe comes together – it feels like comfort food elevated to a whole new level. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the tender gnocchi and chicken, while earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach add a welcome freshness. If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy but is so easy to make, this is definitely it.

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked right away because it all cooks in one pan. No crazy cleanup, which means you get more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes. You’ll find that this one-pan creamy chicken & gnocchi recipe works wonderfully for busy evenings, but also impresses when you want guests over without slaving away in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe blend beautifully to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. When shopping, look for fresh baby bella mushrooms for the best flavor and don’t skip the half and half — it’s key to that silky sauce.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning throughout to bring out flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and aroma.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Divided use helps with browning chicken first, then sautéing veggies.
• Small shallot: Milder than onion, adds subtle sweetness.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Their earthy flavor deepens the sauce wonderfully.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for best aroma.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Adds bright herbal notes, fresh is best but dried works too.
• Dried oregano: Use sparingly for subtle Mediterranean notes.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Controls saltiness and adds savory depth.
• Half and half: Creates the creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives a gentle kick.
• Package of gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought, soft pillow-like texture is key.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds sharp savory notes and creaminess.
• Baby spinach: Stirred in at the end to bring color and freshness.

Variations

I like to switch things up based on what I have or feel like eating — this dish is so forgiving that you can make it your own without losing its magic. Feel free to experiment and see which tweaks become your favorites.

• Use Italian sausage instead of chicken: I once swapped the chicken for crumbled Italian sausage, and the flavor was amazing – a little more spice, more depth!
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard: These sturdy greens add a bit more texture if you like a heartier bite.
• Dairy-free Version: I’ve had success using coconut cream in place of half and half and vegan cheese alternatives, which work surprisingly well.
• Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a tangy twist, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the mushrooms – it adds lovely color and brightness.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I like to pat them dry first to ensure a nice golden crust. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown – this crust locks in juiciness. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside. Pro tip: don’t rush flipping; patience here pays off for that perfect sear.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Mushrooms

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in your diced shallot and sliced mushrooms, letting them cook slowly until they turn golden and release their savory aroma—about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor. Then add minced garlic, thyme, and oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This build-up creates a rich flavor base you and your family will love.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth first, scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom – that’s flavor gold. Then slowly add the half and half, stirring as you go. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat. Now stir in your gnocchi along with the chicken back into the pan. Let it all simmer together, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the gnocchi are tender and have soaked up some of that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Finish with Greens

Once the chicken is done, remove it briefly again and stir in the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan until silky smooth and melted. Then fold in the baby spinach, stirring just until it wilts and adds that fresh pop of green. Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, return them to the skillet, and give everything one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you’ll be amazed how balanced and comforting this dish turns out!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for color and a fresh herbal note. A little extra grated Parmesan on the side never hurts, especially if you’re serving cheese lovers. Sometimes a dash of lemon zest adds a surprising bright pop that balances the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is filling and rich, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up all that extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe in pretty shallow bowls stacking a slice of chicken on top with a swirl of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can really wow your guests and elevate the presentation beyond everyday dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up, so I recommend adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully a couple of times, but the spinach can become a bit soft after thawing. If you want to freeze it, I suggest leaving out the spinach and adding fresh spinach when you reheat. Freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it’s too thick. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the gnocchi from drying out or sticking to the pan. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers comfort and ease all in one skillet. I love how it feels special enough to serve to guests, yet it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite as much as my family and I do. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new go-to!

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