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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s both cozy and impressive but doesn’t tie you to the stove all evening, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that kind of dish that wraps you up in warm, creamy goodness with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi — all cooked in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without the fuss. Stick around because I’m going to share all my best tips to make it turn out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: Using cream cheese gives the sauce a luscious texture that clings perfectly to the gnocchi.
  • Balanced Flavors: Garlic, white wine, and Italian seasoning build layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • Quick & Filling: Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that fits even the tightest schedules.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, creamy chicken skillet, gnocchi dinner recipes, easy one-pan chicken recipes, cozy weeknight meals - A close-up of a glass bowl filled with creamy gnocchi pasta covered in a thick white sauce mixed with small pieces of shrimp and green herbs, topped with a layer of finely grated cheese in the center. The sauce looks smooth and rich, with the gnocchi soft and rounded, evenly spread throughout the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the shot captures the dish from above, showing the creamy texture and details of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe combines simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The chicken adds heartiness while the gnocchi soaks up all the creamy sauce, and fresh spinach adds a boost of color and nutrients. Choosing fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan really elevates the flavors here.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, creamy chicken skillet, gnocchi dinner recipes, easy one-pan chicken recipes, cozy weeknight meals - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pat of unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, diced raw chicken breast pieces arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled placed beside a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl containing mixed Italian herbs, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a block of fresh cream cheese on a white ceramic plate, a mound of fresh gnocchi arranged on a white ceramic dish, a handful of bright baby spinach leaves loosely spread, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a small pile of whole black peppercorns all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor and a smooth base for cooking your chicken without burning.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown your chicken just right.
  • Chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key to that aromatic punch this dish needs.
  • Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth—don’t skip it unless you want a less complex sauce.
  • Italian seasoning mix: Brings herbs like oregano and basil into the mix for that classic Italian vibe.
  • Chicken stock: A flavorful liquid base that adds moisture and richness without extra fat.
  • Cream cheese: The secret to making the sauce ultra creamy and smooth without heavy cream.
  • Gnocchi: I love potato gnocchi for its pillowy texture, which soaks up sauce beautifully.
  • Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green for balance.
  • Parmesan: Sharp, nutty, and perfect for finishing the sauce with umami richness.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and rounds everything out.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the vibe I’m going for. It’s super forgiving and welcomes additions without losing its creamy charm.

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for kale or arugula to give the dish a peppery twist that wakes up the creaminess.
  • Dairy-free option: Use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — still delicious and creamy!
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a subtle heat I love on chilly evenings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

First things first: heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium heat, then add the butter. Wait until the butter melts completely and starts foaming — that’s when it’s ready. Toss in your diced chicken breast in a single layer, letting it cook without moving too much for about 4-5 minutes. You want a nice golden crust because that caramelization adds incredible flavor. Don’t rush this or you’ll miss that golden sear which really makes a difference.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and White Wine

Once the chicken looks beautifully golden, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until it’s fragrant — don’t let it burn here! Pour in the dry white wine, letting it cook for another 1-2 minutes so the alcohol mostly evaporates but the flavor remains. This layer of acidity balances the richness beautifully.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and chicken stock, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer — you should see a few bubbles breaking on the surface. Now comes my favorite part: add the cream cheese in chunks and break it down with your spoon, stirring continuously. This takes a couple of minutes but trust me, you’ll get a silky, creamy sauce that clings to every gnocchi bite.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach, Then Finish with Parmesan

Gently stir in the gnocchi and baby spinach, then cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float and the spinach wilts. Turn off the heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Serve it hot straight from the pan — it honestly doesn’t get easier than this.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Getting a golden crust on the chicken adds more flavor and better texture than just cooking it in the sauce.
  • Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: It melts faster and incorporates more smoothly without clumps.
  • Gentle Simmer: High heat can curdle the sauce, so keep it low and steady when adding cream cheese.
  • Cover the Pan: This steams the gnocchi just right—avoiding mush or dryness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, creamy chicken skillet, gnocchi dinner recipes, easy one-pan chicken recipes, cozy weeknight meals - The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy gnocchi mixed with pieces of cooked chicken. The gnocchi are small, round, light yellow, and soft looking, coated in a smooth, thick white cream sauce with small herbs scattered throughout. The chicken pieces are light brown, tender, and mixed evenly among the gnocchi. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some grated cheese scattered around it. A striped cloth is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle on a little extra grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper to finish. Sometimes I toss on fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a bright herbal note and a fresh burst of color that makes the dish look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This skillet recipe is such a hearty meal that I keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables — like asparagus or broccoli — pairs perfectly. If you want a bit of crunch, garlic bread on the side is always a winner in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual cast-iron skillets right at the table — it feels rustic and cozy. You can also finish with a drizzle of truffle oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra flair when you want to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool slightly before storing so it doesn’t get watery. The sauce might thicken overnight, but a quick gentle reheat fixes that easily.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this dish because gnocchi can get a bit mushy after freezing and reheating, but if you want to, freeze it before adding the spinach and cheese for best results. Then finish the dish fresh when you thaw and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the cream sauce from separating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi, or do I need homemade?

    Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe and is a real time-saver. Just cook it straight in the skillet with the sauce as the recipe suggests. Homemade gnocchi is lovely if you want to make the dish extra special, but definitely not necessary to achieve great results.

  2. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

    You can replace cream cheese with heavy cream or mascarpone for a slightly different but still creamy texture. If using heavy cream, add it slowly and stir well to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or separating.

  3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    The traditional gnocchi in this recipe usually contain wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi in many stores, which works as a great substitute without changing the flavor or texture much.

  4. Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! Dice the chicken and mince the garlic a day ahead to save prep time. You can even have the sauce partially made (without adding gnocchi and spinach), then finish cooking fresh when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want something comforting, quick, and delicious. It’s a dish that shows up when life is busy, but you still want to enjoy a homemade meal that feels special. Cooking it once, you’ll see how easy it is to get that creamy, indulgent texture without heavy cream — and once you taste it, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, too. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe featuring tender chicken breast, soft gnocchi, and a luscious cream cheese sauce enhanced with Parmesan and baby spinach. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Protein & Dairy

  • 350 g chicken breast, diced
  • 180 g cream cheese
  • 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan

Vegetables

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 100 g baby spinach, roughly shredded

Pantry & Liquids

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
  • 400 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and melt butter: In a large, deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and then add 30 g unsalted butter. Melt the butter until it’s foaming.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until golden brown on the outside.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in 75 ml dry white wine and cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate and reduce slightly.
  5. Add seasoning and stock: Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 400 ml chicken stock, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Create creamy sauce: Once simmering, add 180 g cream cheese and break it down with your spoon while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Cook gnocchi and spinach: Add 500 g gnocchi and 100 g baby spinach, cover with a lid, and cook for 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted.
  8. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, stir in 30 g grated Parmesan, season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream when adding the cream cheese.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten free.
  • Fresh Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated for better taste.
  • Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they are done when they float to the surface.
  • Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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