If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender, golden chicken breasts nestle in a creamy sauce bursting with garlic, herbs, and earthy mushrooms, while pillowy gnocchi soak up every bit of that luscious flavor. With fresh spinach adding a pop of color and a vibrant note, this dish brings together simple ingredients into a harmony of taste and texture—all made in just one pan for minimal clean-up. It’s a weeknight winner that tastes like a celebration, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in delivering the rich flavors and satisfying textures you’ll love. Each element, from the aromatic herbs to the creamy cheeses, pulls its weight in making this One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe truly special.
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites when cooked just right.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every individual flavor.
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Adds richness while helping brown the chicken and sauté vegetables.
- 1 small shallot, diced: Offers a gentle sweetness and depth, elevating the sauce complexity.
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, they add texture and umami that balances the creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable savory warmth.
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves: Brings a fragrant herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds subtle Mediterranean notes to round out the flavor profile.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 1/4 cups half and half: Creates the rich, creamy sauce that coats every gnocchi and piece of chicken.
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle kick to lift and contrast the creaminess.
- 1 (17-oz) package gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, these little dumplings absorb the sauce deliciously.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into the sauce, adding gooey, cheesy comfort.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Delivers a sharp, nutty finish that brightens the dish.
- 3 cups packed baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a slight earthiness that balances richness.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook it without moving for about 4 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. This searing step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust that will elevate the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Remove the chicken and set it aside for now. Lower the heat to medium, and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced shallot and sliced baby bella mushrooms. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms turn golden brown and the shallots soften, about 5 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation your sauce needs.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and dried oregano. Cook everything together for about a minute until fragrant—this brief step ensures those herbs and garlic release their full flavors without burning.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, carefully scraping the bottom of the pan to lift up any flavorful brown bits left from searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. Add the half and half, then season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat. Bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer—this creamy base will soon soak into the gnocchi and chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish the Chicken
Add the gnocchi right into the simmering sauce and nestle the partially cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Allow everything to cook together for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This one-pan method means all the flavors get a chance to mingle and concentrate.
Step 6: Melt Your Cheeses and Add Spinach
Remove the chicken once again and stir the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the sauce until melted and silky smooth. Toss in the baby spinach and stir just until wilted, infusing the dish with fresh flavor and vibrant color. Then, slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, allowing it to mingle with the cheesy, spinach-infused sauce.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give everything a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve this comforting, creamy delight immediately straight from the pan and watch your guests’ faces light up!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a beautiful burst of green and a fresh hint that cuts through the richness. You can also grate a bit more Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add brightness or some roasted seasonal vegetables for variety and crunch. A crusty baguette also makes for a perfect companion to mop up all that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate slices of chicken over a generous swirl of gnocchi, then drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers. In more casual settings, serve directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style feel where everyone can dig in freely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon chilling, so you can add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe freezes well if you want to stash some for a later meal. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low to medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of chicken broth or half and half as needed to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as gnocchi can sometimes get gummy from quick heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just fine—just add a couple more minutes to the simmering time to ensure they cook through completely.
Is it okay to substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will add extra moisture and flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs might take a bit longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap the half and half for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream and use dairy-free cheeses, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. It still makes a delicious meal!
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little more chicken broth or half and half while reheating or finishing the sauce until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas to enhance color and nutrition, but add them during the sauté step to cook properly.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate, simple yet impressive, warm and welcoming. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, it’s the kind of recipe that leaves everyone asking for seconds and looking forward to the next time. Get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This flavorful One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and sautéed mushrooms in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s an easy and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (17-oz) package gnocchi
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Greens
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure flavor penetration.
- Heat Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for approximately 4 minutes per side until both sides develop a golden-brown crust.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce and gnocchi.
- Add More Oil: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced shallot and sliced baby bella mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and turn golden.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and dried oregano, cooking for one more minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all flavors.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the half and half, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Gnocchi and Chicken: Stir in the gnocchi and nestle the previously cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the gnocchi is tender.
- Remove Chicken Again: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside again temporarily.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add Spinach: Fold in the baby spinach and stir gently until wilted, incorporating it fully into the sauce.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or pieces suitable for serving.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve the dish immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the gnocchi used is gluten-free.
- Feel free to swap baby bella mushrooms with cremini or white button mushrooms.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for enhanced flavor.
- Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
