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Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi

Dinner in a flash! This comforting dish features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi

Forget complicated weeknight recipes; this creamy chicken and spinach gnocchi is here to save the day! With store-bought gnocchi, quick-cooking chicken, and a luscious sauce, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time. It's truly a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

  4. Step 4

    Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. Step 5

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Cook until all spinach is wilted.

  6. Step 6

    Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add a can of drained cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great garnish!

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