Description
This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender gnocchi, juicy chicken pieces, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with half-and-half and Parmesan. Cooked all on the stovetop, this satisfying one-pan meal combines sautéed vegetables, flavorful herbs, and creamy goodness, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
Chicken and Vegetable
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups baby spinach
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Cook the potato gnocchi according to the package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Make Sauce Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked gnocchi and baby spinach. Gently stir to combine and cook until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors together. Serve the creamy chicken gnocchi warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time if preferred.
- For extra richness, replace half-and-half with heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
