This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, flavorful cream sauce with spinach and sundried tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (or sundried tomato oil from the can)
1 pound (≈2 breasts) chicken breast, cut into ¾–1 inch pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (≈26 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
16 ounces (450 g) gnocchi
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach leaves

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Cook the Gnocchi:
Stir in heavy cream, then add gnocchi. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the gnocchi to become tender.
Add Flavorings:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Add Spinach and Chicken:
Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and hearty: Creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make every bite satisfying.
Packed with flavor: Sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and smoked paprika add layers of taste.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
Versatile: Can be adapted with other veggies or proteins.

Tips

Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a thermometer to ensure juicy results.
Deglaze the pan: Scraping the browned bits adds rich flavor to the sauce.
Wilt spinach last: This keeps it bright green and tender.
Adjust sauce consistency: Add a splash of pasta water or stock if it’s too thick.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swaps: Use shrimp, turkey, or Italian sausage instead of chicken.
Gnocchi alternatives: Swap with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta.
Cream alternatives: Light cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream for a different twist.
Extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and color.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and gnocchi separately and combine with sauce when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best eaten fresh, as gnocchi can become mushy after freezing. Freeze the sauce and chicken separately if needed.

Can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra smoked paprika to the sauce.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh parsley on top for a restaurant-style presentation.

✨ Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or when you want a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.