Creamy chicken gnocchi with cream cheese are the epitome of comfort food and sure to satisfy any dinner cravings. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy midweek meal.
Get ready for the ultimate comfort experience with this one-pan creamy chicken gnocchi featuring cream cheese. Soft gnocchi meet tender chicken, all coated in a luxurious sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
While I adore a creamy gnocchi sauce, this time I opted for a lighter twist. Instead of heavy cream, I used cream cheese, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely divine.
Just like my other gnocchi recipes, feel free to use either fresh gnocchi or the shelf-stable ones available in the pasta aisle of supermarkets.
Table of Contents
Recipe tips and notes
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute an equal amount of chicken stock for the dry white wine.
- Turn this chicken gnocchi dish into a delicious bake by transferring the pan to the oven and baking for 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbly.
- Keep extra chicken stock on hand to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick after adding the gnocchi.
- Frozen gnocchi can also be used for this recipe, but be sure to increase the cooking time to 15 minutes.
- If you’re pairing your creamy chicken gnocchi with a drink, consider a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.
Tools for this recipe:
Chicken gnocchi recipe video:
Ingredients:
- 1-pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, usually about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Take out the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Chicken
Add the cooked gnocchi and cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the gnocchi and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese
Stir in the baby spinach leaves until they wilt slightly. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Season the creamy chicken gnocchi with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the creamy chicken gnocchi to serving plates or bowls. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish!
This creamy chicken gnocchi are perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. It’s creamy, bursting with flavor, and bound to please everyone.
Chicken gnocchi nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| – Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Vitamin A | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Calcium | 25% |
| Iron | 10% |
Chicken gnocchi health benefits
- Protein Source: Chicken breasts provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium: Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium, important for bone health.
- Vitamin A: Spinach is high in vitamin A, beneficial for eye health and immune function.
- Antioxidants: Garlic and onion contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
- Heart Health: Olive oil contributes healthy fats, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Energy Boost: Gnocchi and chicken provide carbohydrates and protein for sustained energy.
- Immune Support: Chicken broth contains nutrients like zinc and vitamins that support immune function.
- Fiber: Spinach provides dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
- Iron: Spinach and chicken are good sources of iron, important for oxygen transport in the blood.
- B Vitamins: Chicken is rich in B vitamins, which play a role in energy metabolism.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Chicken gnocchi reheat and reuse instructions
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Place the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place a portion of gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Reuse Ideas:
- Gnocchi Bake: Transfer leftover gnocchi to a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Gnocchi Soup: Add the leftover gnocchi to a pot of chicken or vegetable broth along with some fresh vegetables for a hearty soup.
- Gnocchi Salad: Toss reheated gnocchi with fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.
Enjoy your creamy chicken gnocchi.
FAQ’s
Q. What is Chicken Gnocchi?
Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting dish made with soft potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce, often enriched with spinach and other vegetables. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Q. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi is a great shortcut for this dish. You can find it in most grocery stores, either fresh or frozen. Just follow the package instructions to cook it, and it will be ready to mix with your chicken and creamy sauce.
Q. What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Gnocchi?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for Chicken Gnocchi. They cook quickly and stay tender. You can either pan-sear or cook the chicken beforehand, then slice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the sauce.
Q. How do I make the creamy sauce for Chicken Gnocchi?
To make the creamy sauce, start by sautéing garlic and onion in butter or olive oil. Then, add chicken broth and heavy cream (or a lighter alternative like half-and-half). Let it simmer until it thickens, then stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Q. Can I add vegetables to Chicken Gnocchi?
Absolutely, Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas are great additions to Chicken Gnocchi. Just sauté them along with the garlic and onion to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Q. Can I make Chicken Gnocchi ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve Chicken Gnocchi fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just cook the gnocchi, reheat the sauce, and combine everything. The gnocchi may absorb some of the sauce, but it will still taste delicious.
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- Sun dried tomato pasta
- Cherry tomato pasta
- Chicken Tomato Pasta
- Spinach chicken tomato pasta
- Chicken tetrazzini
