If you are craving something comforting, decadent, yet surprisingly quick to prepare, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender seared chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious sauce enriched with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, every bite bursts with layers of rich flavor and satisfying texture. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish manages to feel indulgent while being incredibly approachable, making it perfect for anyone eager to impress without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a cast iron pan filled with creamy white sauce with whole light brown beans mixed in. The sauce looks thick and smooth with visible small black and green herb specks. A wooden spatula is partially dipped in the sauce, showing the sauce’s texture and the beans resting on it. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm creamy color of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each one is essential, creating harmony in flavor, texture, and color in the finished dish. From aromatic shallots to creamy Parmesan, every element brings something special to this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe.

Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that delivers classic Mediterranean herbs, perfectly seasoning the chicken.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping them balanced.
Red pepper flakes: Adds just a subtle hint of heat without overpowering the dish.
Chicken breasts (1 1/2 lb): Tender protein base that soaks up the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a golden crisp and adding richness.
Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy foundation for sautéing the shallots and garlic.
Shallot (1 medium): Mild and sweet, it adds delicate depth to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves): Brings a punch of aromatic warmth.
White wine (1/4 cup) or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits.
Chicken broth (3/4 cup): Adds savory moisture and forms the base of the sauce.
Potato gnocchi (16 oz): Pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Richens the sauce to a velvety consistency.
Baby spinach (2 cups, chopped): Brightens the dish with freshness and vibrant green color.
Sun-dried tomatoes (4 oz, sliced): Offers tangy sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Melts into the sauce for that salty, nutty finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Season Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken dry to ensure a beautiful sear. Drizzle on one tablespoon of olive oil and generously coat the chicken with Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend infuses the chicken with bold, herby notes and a subtle kick, setting the stage for the dish’s signature flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, then place the chicken into the hot pan. Sear it for 4-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is gorgeously golden. Remove the chicken to a clean surface and set aside. This quick sear locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce later on.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Using the same skillet where the chicken cooked, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced shallots and cook them until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. These aromatics create a rich, savory foundation that elevates the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. If you prefer, chicken broth can be used instead. Stir in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. This step intensifies the sauce’s flavor and prepares it to soak into the gnocchi.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi in the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the sauce. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi floats to the top, signaling it is perfectly cooked. The gnocchi absorbs the creamy sauce, resulting in a comforting, luscious texture that makes this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe stand out.

Step 6: Add Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Parmesan

Fold in chopped baby spinach and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. The spinach wilts quickly, adding vibrant color and freshness, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a delightful tang and chewy texture contrast. Finish everything off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, which melts smoothly into the sauce, enriching every bite.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add it back into the skillet, mixing gently to coat it in the creamy sauce. For a final touch, season with freshly cracked black pepper and sprinkle with parsley or fresh thyme. Serve this dish piping hot and watch it disappear in no time—your guests will be asking for the recipe, I promise!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with a creamy sauce base that is light beige with a smooth texture, dotted with small white gnocchi pieces and bright green spinach leaves mixed in. On top, four large sliced pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken are arranged evenly around the skillet, each piece showing grill marks and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface next to a striped gray and white cloth napkin, a glass cup with a light brown drink, and a white bowl holding fresh green parsley and a lemon wedge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese serve as beautiful garnishes to enhance the visual and flavor appeal. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a bright herbal note and a pop of green that complements the dish’s creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the dish, while roasted veggies add texture and earthiness that rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, serve the dish family-style in a large shallow bowl piled high with chicken and gnocchi, garnished with fresh herbs. Alternatively, serve individual portions in warm, rustic bowls for an intimate dinner experience that feels both comforting and elegant. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a bit of zesty brightness as they please.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

While the dish freezes well, be cautious as the cream sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce reincorporates smoothly. A splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating can help restore the sauce’s silky texture and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe. They tend to stay moister and add a slightly richer flavor to the dish.

Is it okay to use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions and adjust timing if cooking directly in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries! You can simply use extra chicken broth to deglaze the pan. It won’t have the acidity of wine but will still create a delicious sauce.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi will typically float to the surface when cooked through and should be tender but slightly chewy to the bite. Cooking times may vary slightly, so test a piece to make sure it’s perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is exactly the kind of dish that makes weeknights exciting and weekends indulgent. It’s a wonderful blend of comforting textures and bold flavors that come together effortlessly in one pan, making you feel like a home chef champion. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!