Save This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort dinner, bringing together tender, golden-brown chicken thighs and pillowy potato gnocchi in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce. Finished with fresh spinach and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, it is a restaurant-quality meal made simple for any night of the week.
Save The process begins by searing the chicken to develop deep flavor and a beautiful crust. As the gnocchi bakes directly in the sauce, they absorb the savory notes of garlic and Italian seasoning, reaching the perfect tender consistency without the need for separate boiling.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Seasoning:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce & Gnocchi:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional; substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 500 g (18 oz) potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Season Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3: Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Step 4: Aromatics
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Deglaze
- Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Prepare Sauce
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Assemble
- Add gnocchi to the skillet, stir to coat. Return chicken thighs (and any juices) to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Step 8: Season
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Transfer skillet to preheated oven.
- Step 9: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and gnocchi are tender.
- Step 10: Final Finish
- Stir in spinach right after removing from the oven, letting the heat wilt the leaves. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large oven-safe skillet, such as a cast iron pan, is crucial for achieving an even sear on the chicken and transitioning smoothly to the oven. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. If you want more variety in your greens, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives to spinach. To adjust the heat, feel free to increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish warm with a side of crusty bread to mop up the extra creamy garlic sauce. To complete the experience, pair it with a crisp Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay, which cuts through the richness of the Parmesan beautifully.
Save Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a small dinner party, this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi delivers an impressive and satisfying result with minimal effort. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant greens in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Pound them to even thickness and reduce oven time to 12–15 minutes to prevent drying out.
- → What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
Half-and-half creates a lighter sauce while still delivering creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk, though the flavor will change slightly.
- → Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No, the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavors as it simmers. This method creates a creamier, more cohesive dish.
- → Can I assemble this ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prep ingredients in advance. However, cook the dish just before serving, as the gnocchi may become mushy if left sitting in the sauce too long.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I make this without wine?
Absolutely. Simply substitute additional chicken broth for the white wine. The dish will still have plenty of depth from the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.