If you’re searching for a weeknight hero that’s as comforting as it is easy, the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is ready to swoop in and save your dinner plans. Imagine pillowy gnocchi, bites of seasoned chicken, a creamy sauce bursting with flavor, and tender spinach all coming together in just one pan. This dish strikes that perfect balance between soulful and simple, making it an unstoppable family favorite and your new go-to for days when you want something special, but don’t want to labor in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is in its simplicity—every ingredient elevates the next, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color you won’t soon forget. Before you get cooking, here’s what you’ll need and why every piece matters.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden crust and infuses depth into every bite.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: These create juicy, tender pieces that soak up all the flavors in the sauce; opt for thighs if you like extra richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential, simple seasoning to enhance every component.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to your base.
- Garlic: The flavor backbone—always freshly minced for best results.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Brings the herby, classic notes that tie the sauce together.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory umami and forms the backbone of your creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Delivers irresistible silkiness and brings everything together—try half-and-half for something lighter.
- Potato gnocchi: Uncooked for ease; this is the heart of the dish, absorbing all that creamy goodness as it cooks.
- Baby spinach: Pops of green not only brighten the pot, but add a dose of freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and just the right finishing touch for silky, umami-packed sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a whisper of heat—totally up to your taste buds.
How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Get your skillet or Dutch oven nice and hot over medium-high heat and swirl in the olive oil. Season those bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Let them sizzle, flipping once or twice, until browned and perfectly cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. The key is golden, juicy chicken that will soak up your creamy sauce later. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (don’t wipe out those delicious brown bits!), toss in the diced onion. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it soften and sweeten—this builds the flavor base that makes the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish unforgettably savory. Next, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir for just 30 seconds, until everything smells fragrant and wonderful.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom to catch any golden tidbits left behind. Bring it all to a gentle simmer—this combo is pure magic and will become the base of your creamy, cozy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
With the sauce gently bubbling, stir in the uncooked potato gnocchi. Reduce the heat to medium and let it all cook together, stirring occasionally. After 5 to 7 minutes, the gnocchi will puff up, tender and pillowy, with the sauce thickening around them for peak comfort food vibes.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Chicken, and Parmesan
Return your cooked chicken to the pot, then stir in those handfuls of chopped baby spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The spinach wilts in just a minute, and the cheese melts right into the sauce. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and add a few shakes of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. You’re done—the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is piping hot and ready to devour!
How to Serve One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly grated Parmesan or a hint of red pepper flakes elevates each serving, not to mention a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a drizzle of good olive oil. These little touches make every bowl of One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines all on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for sopping up the sauce. A side of roasted broccoli or asparagus works wonders for adding crunch and color, giving your meal that little something extra.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the gnocchi into shallow bowls for casual weeknight elegance, or pile it into a large serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a dinner party vibe. You can even spoon it over wilted greens for a lighter spin, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a vibrant, family-style spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, and a quick stir brings the creamy sauce right back to life.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, note that the sauce may separate a little after thawing and gnocchi might soften further. For best results, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat gently for a cozy meal any day.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but keep the heat low and stir frequently for the creamiest results with your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the browning step and stir in your cooked chicken at the same point as the recipe directs. It’s a great way to give leftover chicken a second life in this luscious One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free option like full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. The sauce won’t be quite as classic, but it will still be creamy and satisfying.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Both shelf-stable and frozen potato gnocchi work beautifully here—just make sure to use them uncooked so they absorb all the sauce as they simmer. Avoid pre-cooked gnocchi for this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish; they can turn mushy.
How do I add more vegetables?
Peas, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes can be added with the onions for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them until soft before moving on to the next step.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use a very large skillet or Dutch oven to handle the extra volume, and plan on slightly increasing the cook time when simmering the gnocchi. The One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish doubles up with ease for leftovers or sharing.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dish that feels like home and comes together with almost no effort, you owe it to yourself to try this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish. Every spoonful is pure comfort, made even better by sharing it with friends and loved ones. I hope you give it a whirl and watch it become a staple at your table, just like it is at mine!
Print
One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Tender potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and spinach are enveloped in a flavorful Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 500g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Flavorings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 500g (1 lb) potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 1½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown in the skillet. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Onion and Seasonings: In the same skillet, saute diced onion until soft. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cook briefly.
- Add Liquids and Gnocchi: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to the pan, add spinach and Parmesan. Stir until spinach wilts. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Frozen or shelf-stable gnocchi are both suitable for this recipe. Try adding peas or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
