Chicken and Gnocchi

🍗🥔 Chicken and Gnocchi — Creamy, Cozy, and Totally Irresistible

Creamy, dreamy, and downright cozy — this chicken and gnocchi skillet is comfort food at its finest.

Let’s talk about the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. That’s exactly what Chicken and Gnocchi does. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, but it’s also secretly simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. It’s the kind of recipe that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, you just layered a few humble ingredients into something magical.

Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation: it’s versatile enough for family dinners, cozy enough for date night, and comforting enough for Sunday suppers. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is secretly practical — gnocchi for the carbs, chicken for the protein, spinach for the greens, and parmesan for the joy.

And let’s be honest: gnocchi is basically the universal love language of pasta lovers. It’s pillowy, it’s satisfying, and when it’s paired with creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that makes people pause mid‑bite and say, “Okay, I need this recipe.”

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “gnocchi belongs in soup” or team “gnocchi deserves to be the star of the skillet”?

I absolutely love gnocchi! It just makes me happy when it’s in a dish! You add the juicy chicken and it’s all cooked in one pan and this momma is happy!

It literally cooks itself! Just take a few minutes to throw it together and before you know it, you have a dish that’s better than any restaurant meal!

 

 

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Chicken: Protein + iron + satiety.
• Spinach: Vitamins A, C, and K + green goodness.
• Gnocchi: Carbs + cozy satisfaction.
• Garlic: Antioxidants + flavor bomb.
• Parmesan: Calcium + salty umami joy.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you sneak extra spinach into your recipes, or do you keep it classic?

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Gnocchi Success

• Golden Chicken: Sear chicken thighs well for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Burn Garlic: Add it after onions soften to avoid bitterness.
• Sauce Trick: Whisk broth slowly into flour to prevent lumps.
• Cheese Timing: Add parmesan at the end so it melts smoothly.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Tomato: Add ½ cup marinara to sauce for a rosé twist.
• Herb Upgrade: Toss in fresh basil or thyme.
• Cheese Swap: Try asiago or pecorino instead of parmesan.

💬 Reader prompt: Which version would your family devour first — mushroom, spicy, or tomato‑cream?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Keep flavors mild — skip vinegar if kids are picky.
• Let kids sprinkle parmesan on top (aka edible glitter).
• Serve with breadsticks for dipping fun.
• Make mini portions in ramekins for kid‑friendly servings.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Gnocchi Shortcut: Shelf‑stable gnocchi is great, but refrigerated tastes extra fresh.
• Chicken Saver: Buy thighs in bulk and freeze portions.
• Spinach Swap: Frozen spinach works if fresh isn’t available.
• Parmesan Trick: Shred your own — it melts better than pre‑shredded.

🎯 Reader Challenge

This week, I challenge you to make Chicken and Gnocchi and serve it at your next family dinner. Bonus points if you try one of the variations! Post your creation with #LouLouGirlsGnocchiLove so we can all drool together and swap ideas.

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Gnocchi Soup: Add leftovers to chicken broth for a quick soup.
• Gnocchi Bake: Layer with mozzarella and bake until bubbly.
• Lunch Wrap: Tuck chicken and gnocchi into a tortilla with spinach.
• Breakfast Hash: Fry with eggs for a hearty breakfast.

💬 Reader prompt: Would you dare eat gnocchi for breakfast, or is that too wild?

 

Chicken and Gnocchi

Print

Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi
• 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs
• salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup dry white wine vinegar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 package spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan, about 2 ounces

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain well.

• Season chicken with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Working in batches, add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 4-5 minutes per side; set aside.

Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

• Gradually whisk in chicken broth and vinegar, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in half and half until thickened, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

• Stir in gnocchi and spinach until the spinach has wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet; sprinkle with Parmesan.

• Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~420
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 28g

💡 Note: Basically dinner math that says, “Yes, you can have seconds.”

💭 Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Gnocchi is proof that weeknight dinners can feel like restaurant meals. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile.

It’s also endlessly adaptable. You can keep it classic, go spicy, or even turn it into a whole new dish the next day. And because it’s so easy, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends.

Here’s the thing about chicken and gnocchi — it’s never just dinner. It’s the sound of garlic sizzling in butter, the sight of pillowy gnocchi soaking up creamy sauce, and the comfort of knowing you’ve got a meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

And this version? It’s a little extra special. It’s hearty, it’s cozy, it’s indulgent without being fussy, and it’s guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “pass the parmesan.” It’s the kind of recipe that makes people pause mid‑bite and say, “Okay, I need this recipe.”

But what I love most is how it brings people together. Food has that magic — it’s not just about filling bellies, it’s about filling lives with joy, laughter, and connection. So here’s my challenge to you: make this chicken and gnocchi, share it with your people, and then tell me your twist. Did you add mushrooms? Did you sneak in extra spinach? Did you eat a spoonful straight from the skillet before serving? (No judgment — I’ve been there.)

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Gnocchi Series” next? I’m dreaming up baked gnocchi casseroles, creamy gnocchi soups, and maybe even a gnocchi mac and cheese.

Until then, may your chicken be golden, your gnocchi pillowy, your parmesan melty, and your kitchen full of laughter, love, and second helpings. Because at the end of the day, recipes like this aren’t just about eating — they’re about celebrating the little joys that make life delicious. And this chicken and gnocchi? It’s ready to do exactly that.

Did you try our Chicken and Gnocchi recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!

 

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