I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Gnocchi

This cozy dish features tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and fresh spinach in a luscious, easy cream sauce.

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

Imagine tender, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, velvety sauce with juicy chicken and fresh spinach. This Creamy Chicken & Spinach Gnocchi is pure comfort food, yet it comes together quickly enough for a weeknight. It's a satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion to the same skillet (add a touch more oil if needed) and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes) until gnocchi float to the surface.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

  5. Step 5

    Add the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  6. Step 6

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • Avoid overcooking the gnocchi; they only need a few minutes until they float.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and taste superior to pre-shredded varieties.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

More recipes you'll love

One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Weeknight•50 min
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

A deeply flavorful, comforting chicken and rice dish that cooks entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.