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One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
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One Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting, quick, and flavorful dinner made with tender chicken breasts, soft gnocchi, and a luscious creamy sauce cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile recipe offers easy cleanup, hearty nutrition, and can be customized with different proteins and vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fats and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the pan along with the chicken broth. Simmer until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has slightly reduced.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken enough to coat the gnocchi and other ingredients.
  5. Combine everything: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Toss in the fresh spinach or your choice of greens, cooking just until wilted. Gently mix to blend the flavors evenly before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and better texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; brown in batches if needed to achieve a nice sear.
  • Stir gently after adding gnocchi to avoid breaking them up.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end to brighten the dish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze portions sealed tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan, creamy chicken, gnocchi, quick dinner, easy meal, comforting, weeknight recipe, Italian, gluten free option

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/one-pan-creamy-chicken-and-gnocchi/