Simple One Pan Chicken and Gnocchi

Tender, pillowy gnocchi in a creamy skillet sauce, this cozy Chicken and Gnocchi is made with simple ingredients, packed with veggies, and ready in just 30 minutes. A delicious and healthy family-approved meal!

I'm sharing one of my favorite, comforting meals: this low-calorie Chicken and Gnocchi recipe! Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a satiating and filling weeknight dinner that everyone in your household can enjoy.

Balanced with nutrition, this dish features hearty chicken breast, soft gnocchi, tender veggies, creamy half-and-half, and a perfect blend of seasoning and herbs. It’s an easy, wholesome, all-in-one meal that’s both convenient and delicious.

Looking for more comforting meals for the weeknight rotation? Try beef and cabbage stir fry, healthy turkey meatloaf recipe, or this easy taco pasta next!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy All-In-One-Meal: With simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, this dish comes together in one skillet for a cozy, rustic feel that’s both flavorful and convenient.
• Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with an ideal amount of protein, this chicken gnocchi meal is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and a satisfying low-calorie, high-volume option that will keep you full without the extra calories.
• Family-Friendly: A perfect meal for feeding the whole family, with textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your family’s preferences!

Chicken Gnocchi Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: The primary protein source in this dish, offering a tender texture and hearty flavor while absorbing all the seasonings. I prefer using ButcherBox organic pasture-raised chicken, but chicken thighs work well, too. You can also substitute with steak, shrimp, salmon, shredded turkey breast, cod, tempeh, or tofu.
• Potato Gnocchi: A hearty, pillowy carb base that adds a satisfying chewiness to the dish. I use gluten-free gnocchi for this recipe (Gia Russa brand is a great option too). Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi is another excellent gluten-free choice.
• Chicken Broth: The rich and flavorful liquid base that brings depth to the chicken gnocchi recipe. I prefer low-sodium broth, but you can substitute with bone broth or vegetable broth for variation.
• Half and Half: Provides a creamy, velvety texture to the sauce. For a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free milk and thicken with 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder or cornstarch to create a slurry. Alternatively, light coconut milk (from the can) can be used as a substitute.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Classic Red Sauce: For a more traditional take, add marinara or a crockpot spaghetti sauce for a more Italian-inspired dish.
• Mediterranean Spin: Give the creamy chicken gnocchi a Mediterranean flair by adding olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a squeeze of lemon for a tangy, vibrant kick.
• Creamy Pesto Version: Stir in some basil pesto into the sauce to add a fresh, herby richness that complements the creamy textures of the dish.
• Make it a Soup: Transform the dish into a comforting soup by using a deeper pot, adding extra broth, and incorporating hearty vegetables, like carrots and celery.

How To Make Chicken and Gnocchi in a Skillet

Ready to quickly whip up this healthy gnocchi recipe? Preheat a large skillet to medium heat, cook the pillowy bites according to the package instructions, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken. Cook the seasoned chicken in the preheated pan for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Then, remove from the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Base. Sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, paprika and red chili flakes in the same pan until translucent in color.

Step 3: Make the Sauce. Whisk the broth and half and half into the veggie mixture until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Finish the Dish. Stir in the spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Then, add the gnocchi, chicken, salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve!

Pair with your favorite crusty bread or try a slice of my cauliflower bread recipe for a comforting addition to your plate.

Expert Tips

• Don't Overcook It: Avoid overcooking your low calorie gnocchi to prevent it from becoming soggy, and ensure the chicken is cooked just right to keep it juicy and tender.
• Storing: Once the dish is fully cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use the stovetop, oven, or microwave. In the oven, reheat at 300°F in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, warm on medium heat until heated through. In the microwave, cook on high for 2-3 minutes. For all methods, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to the dish to keep it moist while reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Grab your spoon and get ready to dig into this chicken with gnocchi! But before you do, check out some exciting ways to round out your meal and make it even more satisfying:

• Balance the richness of the high protein gnocchi dish by serving it with a crisp, fresh salad like a crunchy broccoli salad, copycat Olive Garden salad, or Brussel sprouts salad.
• Finish off your meal with a sweet treat like yogurt brownies or avocado chocolate pudding for a wholesome, yet decadent dessert.

Chicken Gnocchi Recipe FAQs