If you are searching for a comforting and effortless meal that packs a punch of flavor, this Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug: tender chicken bites, pillowy gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a luscious cream sauce, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe brings satisfying richness with vibrant colors and a harmonious blend of herbs that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony each ingredient brings to the dish. Every component, from gnocchi to fresh spinach, plays an essential role in delivering incredible taste, texture, and a lovely balance of freshness and creaminess.
- 1 pound gnocchi: Use store-bought or homemade for that soft, pillowy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that’s perfect for sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings color and a subtle crisp sweetness to the skillet.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a juicy burst and vibrant brightness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: For a touch of earthiness and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends warm, Mediterranean notes that marry beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the overall herbaceous flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle kick for those who like a little spice.
- 1 cup chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that helps tenderize gnocchi and melds all ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that gives this dish its namesake richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory punch, melting right into the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Beautiful for garnish and an extra layer of fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it just starts to turn translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring frequently to avoid any burning, and cook for another minute or two until your kitchen fills with that welcoming, garlicky aroma.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Next, it’s time to brighten things up by stirring in the diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper softens just enough to be tender but still maintains a slight bite. This step adds a lovely sweetness and pops of color that make this skillet so appealing.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken with Herbs
Now, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the chicken cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so all sides get a nice golden sear while locking in that juicy flavor. This forms the hearty protein base for our dish.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi and Broth
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the gnocchi is fully submerged. Bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens — the gnocchi will cook right in the broth, soaking up all those delicious juices.
Step 5: Simmer and Add Fresh Greens
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the gnocchi to get tender and the flavors to blend seamlessly. After the simmer, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. These fresh ingredients add brightness and vibrant green color to the creamy mixture.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to create that signature creamy sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully. Add red pepper flakes now if you’d like a little gentle heat. Let everything simmer uncovered for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes soften.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Cheese
Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts instantly, elevating the dish with savory depth and extra creaminess. Turn off the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens ever so slightly before serving.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a wonderful fragrant lift and a bright green pop that makes this meal even more inviting. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of creamy sauce. For a lighter complement, a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Roasted vegetables also make a delicious, colorful addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this creamy one-pot meal family-style in the skillet right at the table to keep that comfort vibe alive. Alternatively, dish it decoratively in shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper on top to impress guests with its rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier. Just give it a quick stir before storing.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the cream sauce and gnocchi can change texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering stage to ensure they cook all the way through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor and creaminess will be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the vegetables or add hearty mushrooms for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I prepare any steps ahead of time?
You can dice the veggies and chicken ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This prep makes the cooking process much faster and more relaxed.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. Leave them out for a mild meal or add more if you enjoy a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe is a wonderful combination of comforting, simple ingredients that come together in a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade without the fuss. I encourage you to give it a try — your family and friends will be asking for seconds in no time!
Print
Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi and Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender, browned chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners, and delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Sauté Bell Pepper: Add the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the pot; if store-bought, no pre-cooking is needed as it will cook in the liquid.
- Pour Chicken Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, ensuring gnocchi is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to cook the gnocchi and absorb flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Remove the lid and add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Gently stir to combine.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to create a rich and creamy texture.
- Simmer Again: Let the dish simmer for another 3-4 minutes for the spinach to wilt and tomatoes to soften. Add red pepper flakes now if using for a spicy kick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce adding extra flavor and creaminess.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the gnocchi chicken mixture in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors will deepen over time.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice hint of heat if desired.
- Fresh basil garnish enhances flavor and presentation but can be omitted if unavailable.
