There’s something magical about a one-pan recipe that combines the best of comfort food—rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients—all without a pile of dishes to clean afterward. This One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is like a warm hug on a cold day, a dish that begs to be enjoyed around a bustling dinner table or savored solo with a cozy blanket and your favorite show queued up.
Inspired by the famous “Marry Me” chicken recipe, this dish takes those same irresistible flavors and gives them a comforting twist with gnocchi—a soft, pillowy pasta that cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption. With sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy sweetness, spinach bringing a burst of freshness, and parmesan melting into a creamy, luscious sauce, every bite is pure bliss.
This recipe is not just about convenience (though the single-pan prep and 25-minute cook time are huge bonuses)—it’s also about creating something special with simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still crave something indulgent and delicious.
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil come together in a sauce that’s bursting with taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish.
- Comforting and Hearty: It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that feels like a treat every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this creamy, flavorful dish. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Chicken Thighs: ½ lb (250g), skinless and boneless, diced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Cloves: 4, crushed
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
- Sour Cream: ½ cup
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup
- Fish Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Gnocchi: 1 lb (500g)
- Spinach Leaves: 2 generous handfuls
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
- Black Pepper: To taste
How to Make One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the diced chicken thighs with ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps enhance their natural flavor and ensures they brown beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing the pieces to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful bits left behind!), reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a touch more oil. Toss in the crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their oils and deepen their flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the sour cream, chicken stock, and fish sauce, whisking to create a smooth, creamy base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the gnocchi cook for 5–7 minutes. As it simmers, it will absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Uncover the skillet and gently stir the gnocchi. Return the seared chicken to the pan, along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts into the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a silky, creamy consistency. Add the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish, then fold in half of the fresh basil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Plate the creamy chicken gnocchi and garnish with the remaining basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately and savor every comforting, flavorful bite.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds depth to the dish and creates those flavorful bits that enhance the sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan often doesn’t melt as well. Grating your own ensures a creamier, more luxurious sauce.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with suitable gnocchi
Notes
- For a lighter option, you can use low-fat sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi, you might also enjoy:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Italian Pastina Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Tradition
Conclusion
This One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is proof that you don’t need a million ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi make it a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a solo dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!
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One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
Description
There’s something magical about a one-pan recipe that combines the best of comfort food—rich flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying ingredients—all without a pile of dishes to clean afterward. This One Pan Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is like a warm hug on a cold day, a dish that begs to be enjoyed around a bustling dinner table or savored solo with a cozy blanket and your favorite show queued up.
Inspired by the famous “Marry Me” chicken recipe, this dish takes those same irresistible flavors and gives them a comforting twist with gnocchi—a soft, pillowy pasta that cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption. With sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy sweetness, spinach bringing a burst of freshness, and parmesan melting into a creamy, luscious sauce, every bite is pure bliss.
This recipe is not just about convenience (though the single-pan prep and 25-minute cook time are huge bonuses)—it’s also about creating something special with simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: ½ lb (250g), skinless and boneless, diced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Cloves: 4, crushed
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
- Sour Cream: ½ cup
- Chicken Stock: 1 cup
- Fish Sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Gnocchi: 1 lb (500g)
- Spinach Leaves: 2 generous handfuls
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
- Black Pepper: To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the diced chicken thighs with ½ teaspoon of salt. This helps enhance their natural flavor and ensures they brown beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing the pieces to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful bits left behind!), reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a touch more oil. Toss in the crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their oils and deepen their flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the sour cream, chicken stock, and fish sauce, whisking to create a smooth, creamy base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the gnocchi cook for 5–7 minutes. As it simmers, it will absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Uncover the skillet and gently stir the gnocchi. Return the seared chicken to the pan, along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts into the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a silky, creamy consistency. Add the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish, then fold in half of the fresh basil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Plate the creamy chicken gnocchi and garnish with the remaining basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately and savor every comforting, flavorful bite.
Notes
- For a lighter option, you can use low-fat sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before serving.
