Name: Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken breast, cooked and shredded; Potato gnocchi; Carrots, diced; Celery, chopped; Onion, finely chopped; Garlic, minced; Chicken broth; Heavy cream; Olive oil or butter; Spinach (optional, for color and added nutrition); Salt and pepper; Italian seasoning or thyme

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal I crave when I want something comforting but still hearty. Tender gnocchi pillows soak up a rich, velvety sauce full of savory chicken, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those savory flavors. It’s creamy but not too heavy, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers. I also appreciate that I can adapt the ingredients based on what I have on hand.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Potato gnocchi
Carrots, diced
Celery, chopped
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Olive oil or butter
Spinach (optional, for color and added nutrition)
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or thyme

directions

I start by sautéing onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pot until softened.
I add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Then I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
I stir in the gnocchi and cook until the gnocchi is tender and floating, about 3–4 minutes.
I reduce the heat and add heavy cream, cooked chicken, and spinach (if using).
I season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I let it all simmer gently until heated through and creamy.
I serve it hot with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs if I feel like elevating it.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when I want something comforting on the table quickly.

Variations

Sometimes I use rotisserie chicken to save time. If I want to lighten it up, I swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (though it won’t be quite as rich). I’ve also added mushrooms or peas for a bit more texture and flavor. For a vegetarian version, I skip the chicken and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Gnocchi tends to soak up sauce as it sits, so this helps bring back the original creaminess.

FAQs

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

I watch for the gnocchi to float to the surface of the liquid—this usually means it’s fully cooked and ready to eat.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, I can use frozen gnocchi without thawing it first. It just may take a minute or two longer to cook in the sauce.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I usually use cooked shredded chicken breast, but any leftover or rotisserie chicken works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the components ahead (like cooking the chicken and chopping the veggies), but I prefer to cook the gnocchi fresh for the best texture.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The creamy sauce can separate, and the gnocchi can get mushy once thawed.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken & Gnocchi is my go-to when I want a fast, satisfying, and warming meal. It brings comfort without being overly heavy and is easy enough for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and just one pan, this recipe always hits the spot.