Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 350 g (12 oz) chicken breast, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; 400 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock; 180 g (6.3 oz) cream cheese; 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi; 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, roughly shredded; 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Salt, to taste

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Introduction

This creamy chicken gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it comes together quickly without sacrificing taste.

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy gnocchi, layered with light golden-brown seared chicken pieces and wilted dark green spinach evenly mixed into a thick, pale cream sauce that coats each gnocchi and chicken piece. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled surface with scattered shreds of Parmesan cheese around the base. A soft striped cloth and a block of Parmesan cheese are blurred in the background, adding a cozy touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
350 g (12 oz) chicken breast, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
400 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock
180 g (6.3 oz) cream cheese
500 g (1 lb) gnocchi
100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, roughly shredded
30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and melt the butter in it. When the butter is fully melted and foaming, add the diced chicken breast. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until the chicken turns golden.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate mostly. Stir in the Italian seasoning and chicken stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Once the stock is bubbling gently, add the cream cheese. Break it down with your spoon and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the gnocchi and baby spinach to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach is wilted.
Step 6: Turn off the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of cream or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce before adding the Parmesan.
Substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; add it in step 4 to warm through.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken stock slightly or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water before adding cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl filled with creamy gnocchi pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken and wilted spinach leaves. The gnocchi pieces are pale yellow, soft, and pillowy, covered in a thick, light beige creamy sauce that appears smooth and rich. The chicken chunks are light brown with a slight golden sear, scattered evenly throughout the dish, while the dark green spinach leaves provide a fresh, colorful contrast. The bowl itself is white and sits on a white marbled surface with some shredded cheese around it and a black spoon placed in the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and tender.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute if you don’t have cream cheese. These will give a slightly different texture but will still create a creamy sauce.