Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
This Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal featuring tender pan-seared chicken thighs, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes all enveloped in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with rich flavors and comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Protein and Dairy
- 1.5 lb. chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Produce
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 oz. spinach
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
Pantry
- 1 lb. potato gnocchi
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the potato gnocchi according to the package instructions, typically boiling until they float to the surface. Drain well and set aside for later use in the skillet.
- Pan-sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs evenly with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Place them smooth side down in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables and build flavor: Add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet and scrape the bottom to lift up any browned bits. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in butter and let it melt, then add grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften. Finally, add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine remaining chicken broth with heavy cream and flour, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and finish: Fold the cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet and let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors. Garnish with additional salt, pepper, and more parmesan cheese as desired before serving.
Notes
- Calories are estimated per serving and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portions.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use chicken breast instead of thighs.
- Gnocchi can be cooked slightly ahead of time but is best added fresh to the creamy sauce to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
Keywords: chicken gnocchi skillet, creamy chicken gnocchi, one-pan dinner, gnocchi recipes, easy chicken skillet, comfort food, quick dinner