Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Chicken and gnocchi is a dish that epitomizes comfort food while offering a touch of elegance. Combining tender pieces of chicken with soft, pillowy gnocchi and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Inspired by Italian culinary traditions yet adapted for modern home cooking, Chicken and Gnocchi merges simple, wholesome ingredients with rich, indulgent flavors to create a truly satisfying meal.

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At the heart of this dish is the gnocchi itself—soft potato dumplings that provide a unique texture different from traditional pasta. When cooked properly, gnocchi offers a light, pillowy bite that contrasts beautifully with tender, seasoned chicken and a velvety sauce. The sauce is usually built from a combination of butter, cream, chicken broth, and aromatic vegetables, sometimes with a hint of garlic or herbs. This creamy base not only coats the gnocchi and chicken but also binds the flavors together, creating a harmonious and comforting dish.

Chicken and Gnocchi also celebrates versatility. The protein can be adjusted based on preference—boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well, while additional vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can add color, texture, and nutrition. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley elevate the flavor, while grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can add a subtle umami punch. This dish is comforting without being heavy, hearty without being overly rich, and is sure to satisfy both adults and children alike.

In this recipe, every step will be carefully explained to ensure success, even for home cooks who are new to making gnocchi or creamy one-pan meals. You will learn techniques for cooking gnocchi to perfection, creating a luscious sauce, seasoning the chicken just right, and combining everything into a cohesive, restaurant-quality dish. Optional tips for substitutions, variations, and presentation will also be included, making this not just a recipe but a complete guide to mastering Chicken and Gnocchi at home.

Whether served as a weeknight dinner, a comforting weekend meal, or a special occasion dish, Chicken and Gnocchi offers a balance of flavors, textures, and aromas that is hard to resist. By following this recipe, you will achieve a dish that is creamy, flavorful, and comforting—perfectly suited for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Before starting the instructions, here’s a detailed ingredient list with notes:

For the Chicken and Gnocchi:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or diced

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut and season the chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

   • Tip: Even seasoning is key because gnocchi and sauce will absorb some flavor, so the chicken must be well-seasoned from the start.

2. Sear the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

   • Reasoning: Searing locks in juices and adds a layer of flavor via the Maillard reaction.

3. Remove and set aside. Transfer the chicken to a plate. It will finish cooking later in the sauce, which prevents overcooking and keeps it tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add onions and garlic. In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

   • Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits from the chicken for added flavor.

2. Add carrots, celery, and optional mushrooms. Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened. These vegetables provide texture, sweetness, and depth to the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add chicken broth. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping up any remaining browned bits.

2. Add cream and seasonings. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

   • Reasoning: Simmering rather than boiling prevents the cream from curdling and allows flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Add gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Gently place the gnocchi into the sauce, stirring carefully to prevent sticking.

2. Simmer until tender. Cook for 3–5 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the top and is tender but still pillowy.

   • Tip: Do not over-stir or overcook gnocchi, as it can become mushy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Gnocchi

1. Return the chicken to the pan. Gently fold the seared chicken into the gnocchi and sauce.

2. Simmer together. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded.

3. Adjust seasoning. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Optionally, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for extra richness and umami.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness.

2. Serving suggestions. Serve hot, straight from the pan, or in individual bowls. Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

3. Optional finishing touch. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or additional grated Parmesan over the top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Step 7: Tips and Expert Techniques

• Prevent mushy gnocchi: Add gnocchi near the end of cooking and stir gently. Overcooking can make them fall apart.

• Cream substitution: Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

• Vegetable variations: Spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers can be added for extra flavor, texture, and color.

• Make-ahead option: The sauce can be made in advance; add fresh gnocchi and chicken when ready to serve for convenience.