Chef Maxime always said the secret to exceptional comfort food lies in simplicity and quality ingredients working together in perfect harmony.
If you’re searching for the ultimate one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss, you’ve found your new weeknight hero. This creamy, indulgent dish combines tender chicken pieces with pillowy potato gnocchi in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that will have your family requesting it weekly.
What makes this one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe truly special isn’t just its incredible taste—it’s the brilliant simplicity of cooking everything in a single skillet. No juggling multiple pots, no complicated timing, and definitely no mountain of dishes to wash afterward. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
The magic happens when golden-seared chicken mingles with perfectly cooked gnocchi in a luxurious sauce enhanced with fresh garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Each forkful delivers that perfect combination of protein, starch, and creamy richness that defines true comfort food. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or hosting a casual dinner party, this one pan chicken and gnocchi masterpiece adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Easy One Pan Chicken and Gnocchi – Quick 30-Minute Recipe
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add spinach, and stir until wilted.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe saves precious time on busy weeknights. The streamlined cooking process means you can have dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout, similar to our popular creamy chicken pasta recipes.
Minimal Cleanup: Using just one skillet eliminates the usual dinner cleanup chaos. More time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing dishes—that’s a win in every household. This approach works beautifully with other easy skillet dinner recipes that busy families love.
Kid-Approved Flavors: The creamy sauce and familiar chicken-and-pasta combination appeals to even the pickiest eaters, while sophisticated flavors keep adults satisfied. It’s become as popular as our family-friendly chicken recipes among parents seeking nutritious comfort food.
Infinitely Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutrition and flavor. Switch up herbs and seasonings to create entirely new flavor profiles for your one pan chicken and gnocchi masterpiece.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. No specialty items or expensive proteins required, making this one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe perfect for meal planning.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the gold standard for this recipe, offering superior flavor and juiciness compared to breasts. Their higher fat content prevents overcooking and delivers incredibly tender results. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Gnocchi: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle works beautifully and requires no pre-cooking. Look for quality brands like DeLallo or Gia Russa. The starch released during cooking naturally thickens your cream sauce to perfect consistency.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats each piece of gnocchi. Don’t substitute with milk—you need the fat content for proper texture and richness.
Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better flavor control. High-quality broth forms the foundation of your sauce, so invest in a good brand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding nutty depth and helping achieve that restaurant-quality finish. Pre-grated works in a pinch but fresh is always better.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onions or shallots create the flavor base. Don’t skip these—they’re essential for developing complex, satisfying taste.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the chicken and complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: A 12-inch skillet with high sides accommodates all ingredients comfortably for your one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe. Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven if needed. For more information about the benefits of cast iron cooking, cast iron retains heat beautifully and develops excellent flavor over time, making it perfect for this one pan chicken and gnocchi preparation.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for safely preparing chicken and vegetables for your one pan chicken and gnocchi dish.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet’s surface while cooking the one pan chicken and gnocchi.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperatures of 165°F, following proper food safety temperatures guidelines for your one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Pat completely dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures proper browning. Season generously with 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if necessary. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add 1 diced medium onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add incredible flavor. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon lightly.
Step 5: Add the Gnocchi Add 1 pound of shelf-stable gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. No need to pre-cook! Stir gently and simmer for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi are tender and sauce has thickened. The starch from the gnocchi helps create the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Finish and Serve Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with your one pan chicken and gnocchi mixture. Add ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If adding spinach or other greens, stir them in during the last minute of cooking until just wilted.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, additional parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. Serve your delicious one pan chicken and gnocchi immediately while hot and creamy.
Expert Tips for the Best One Pan Chicken and Gnocchi
Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Chicken thighs remain juicier than breasts and are nearly impossible to overcook in your one pan chicken and gnocchi recipe. If using breasts, pound to even thickness and watch timing carefully to prevent drying out, just like in our chicken thigh recipes.
Don’t Skip the Searing Step: Proper browning develops complex flavors through the Maillard reaction for your one pan chicken and gnocchi. Those golden-brown bits stuck to the pan become part of your sauce’s flavor foundation.
Control Your Heat: Medium heat prevents cream sauce from breaking or curdling in your one pan chicken and gnocchi preparation. If sauce seems too thick, add chicken broth gradually. Too thin? Simmer uncovered to reduce.
Fresh vs. Store-Bought Gnocchi: While homemade gnocchi tastes incredible, shelf-stable varieties work perfectly for weeknight one pan chicken and gnocchi cooking. They release just enough starch to naturally thicken your sauce.
Timing is Everything: Add delicate ingredients like spinach or fresh herbs during the final minute of cooking your one pan chicken and gnocchi to preserve their color and texture.
Make It Restaurant-Quality: Finish with a knob of cold butter stirred in off the heat for extra glossy richness, a technique borrowed from professional kitchens and Italian cooking techniques that elevates your one pan chicken and gnocchi.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts transform this dish into different flavor profiles. Add hearty vegetables with the onions, delicate ones at the end.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The sauce will be slightly thinner but equally delicious.
Protein Swaps: Italian sausage, shrimp, or even rotisserie chicken work beautifully. Adjust cooking times accordingly—pre-cooked proteins need only warming through.
Herb Variations: Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil can replace Italian seasoning. Add woody herbs early, delicate ones at the end.
Spice It Up: Red pepper flakes, cajun seasoning, or chipotle powder add heat and complexity for adventurous palates.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This rich, satisfying one pan chicken and gnocchi pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments that balance the creamy richness. A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every drop of that incredible one pan chicken and gnocchi sauce. For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors without overwhelming them.
For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a light antipasto platter featuring olives, fresh mozzarella, and sliced tomatoes before serving your one pan chicken and gnocchi. You might also enjoy our Italian pasta recipes as complementary meal options for your weekly menu planning.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Note that gnocchi will continue absorbing sauce and may thicken considerably.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating works but may result in uneven heating.
Freezing: Not recommended due to cream sauce texture changes upon thawing. Make only what you plan to consume within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but require more careful timing to prevent overcooking. Pound to even thickness and check temperature frequently
Do I need to cook the gnocchi separately?
No! One of the best features of this recipe is cooking gnocchi directly in the sauce. This saves time and allows the gnocchi starch to naturally thicken your sauce.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
Too thick? Add chicken broth gradually until desired consistency. Too thin? Simmer uncovered to reduce, or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture. However, you can prep ingredients in advance and cook just before serving.
What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle works perfectly. Avoid frozen gnocchi as it releases too much water and can make the sauce watery.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep heat at medium or below, and add cream after the broth has simmered. If sauce does separate, remove from heat and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify.