Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Creamy chicken gnocchi combines tender morsels of chicken with pillowy potato pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. This one-skillet wonder features the perfect balance of savory garlic, sweet sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, creating a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. The decadent cream sauce coats each piece of gnocchi perfectly, while the chicken adds satisfying protein.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but didn't want to sacrifice flavor. The combination of tender gnocchi and juicy chicken in that rich sauce transformed my kitchen into an Italian bistro. My husband, who typically prefers basic meat and potatoes, actually requested this three times in one week! Sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals.

Important Ingredients

• Shelf-stable gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings cook directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce
• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces ensures quick cooking and perfect texture in every forkful
• Sundried tomatoes: Packed in oil, these provide concentrated sweet-tart flavor and beautiful color throughout the dish
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that coats every component perfectly
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce while providing that distinctive Italian flavor

Making Perfect Gnocchi

Prepare The Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or the flavorful oil from your sundried tomatoes. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before adding to the hot pan. Cook until golden and just done, about 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a plate. The chicken will finish cooking when returned to the sauce later.

Create The Foundation:

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Immediately add chicken stock or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken. These little bits contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your sauce tremendously.

Build The Sauce:

Pour heavy cream into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering cream and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will cook while simultaneously releasing starch that helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. Add smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Bring It Together:

Reduce heat to low before adding fresh spinach, letting it wilt gently into the creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat everything evenly. Allow the flavors to meld for a minute before removing from heat. The residual heat will finish cooking the chicken and spinach perfectly without overcooking.

My Italian grandmother always said that pasta should finish cooking in its sauce, rather than being cooked separately and topped. Following her wisdom with this recipe allows the gnocchi to absorb the creamy sauce's flavors while releasing starch that creates the perfect silky texture. This simple technique transforms good ingredients into something truly special.

Perfect Accompaniments

• Garlic bread provides the ideal vessel for soaking up every drop of the delicious cream sauce. The contrast between crispy, buttery bread and the silky sauce creates textural magic.
• A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

Wine Pairings

• A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors. The brightness cuts through the richness while enhancing the herbal notes.
• For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir offers sufficient acidity without overpowering the dish, creating harmony with the sundried tomatoes.

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Serving Style

• Present this dish in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the beautiful colors and textures. The white cream sauce, red sundried tomatoes, and green spinach create a visually stunning presentation.
• Garnish with additional freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper just before serving for maximum impact.

Keeping Leftovers

• Store any remaining gnocchi in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making next-day leftovers something to look forward to.
• The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled, which is completely normal and easily remedied when reheating.

Reheating Tips

• Warm leftover gnocchi gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
• Avoid high heat which can cause the cream sauce to separate. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stovetop provides better texture restoration.

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Simple Variations

• Substitute Italian sausage for chicken to create a more robust flavor profile with minimal effort.
• Replace spinach with sautéed kale or Swiss chard for heartier greens that maintain more texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Seasonal Adjustments

• Spring version incorporates tender asparagus tips and fresh peas for brightness.
• Summer adaptation features cherry tomatoes and fresh basil instead of sundried tomatoes.
• Fall variation includes roasted butternut squash cubes for subtle sweetness and additional color.

I've prepared this dish countless times, and it never fails to impress both family and dinner guests. What began as a quick weeknight solution has become one of my signature dishes. The balance of rich and fresh elements, along with the ease of preparation, makes this creamy chicken gnocchi a recipe I return to whenever I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi?

Yes, both shelf-stable and refrigerated packaged gnocchi work well in this recipe. Just avoid using frozen gnocchi as it may release too much water and make the sauce too thin.

→ Can I make this with leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Skip the initial chicken cooking step and simply add your pre-cooked chicken at the end with the spinach, just long enough to warm it through.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as thick. You might need to add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to help thicken it.

→ What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard make great alternatives to spinach. Just make sure to remove any tough stems and allow a bit more cooking time for heartier greens like kale.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken significantly when cold.