When comfort food is calling and time is short, this Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is exactly what you need. Picture juicy, golden chicken and chewy pillows of gnocchi coated in a rich, velvety sauce with pops of smoky pancetta, mushrooms, and baby spinach. This dish is a flavor powerhouse—and the best part? It comes together from scratch in only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for any busy weeknight. Every bite is packed with different textures and flavors, and it’s so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy and Uncomplicated: Everything cooks in one pan with a pot on the side for the gnocchi, and the steps are simple enough for even the most hectic evenings. No fancy restaurant skills required.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: With tender chicken, luscious cream sauce, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a dish that truly satisfies on every level.
  • Big on Flavors: The depth of smoky pancetta, the earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, and subtle heat from mustard and spices create serious flavor in every mouthful.
  • Flexible and Adaptable: Swap ingredients and add your own twist as needed—this recipe is super forgiving.
  • Family Friendly: There’s something here for everyone, from the creamy sauce to the juicy chicken and chewy gnocchi.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and let’s break down exactly why each one brings this dish to life:

  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and forgiving—they soak up flavor beautifully and stay moist, even if slightly overcooked. Chicken breasts also work—just adjust cooking time and slice them for even portions.
  • Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Simple spices that deliver savory depth and a subtle hint of warmth to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Locks in moisture and helps the chicken achieve that delicious golden crust.
  • Pancetta: Melts into little smoky, salty bites and releases fat that flavors the sauce. Bacon is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Baby Chestnut Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they soak up all the incredible pancetta flavor and juice.
  • Shallots: Milder than onions, shallots add a touch of delicate sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: Because any good creamy sauce needs it—adds fragrance and a gentle bite.
  • Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the sauce and balances the richness.
  • Double/Heavy Cream: The key to the luxurious texture and that dreamy cling to gnocchi and chicken alike.
  • Dijon Mustard: For subtle tang and sophistication—don’t skip it if you want maximum flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami, saltiness, and brings everything together with a nutty finish.
  • Baby Spinach Leaves: Wilts just enough to add a punch of color and freshness.
  • Fresh Gnocchi: Soft, chewy, and incredibly comforting; if you can get homemade or store-bought fresh, always go for it!
  • Salt & Pepper: For finishing and balancing all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Cooking is all about making it your own, so here are a few ways to change it up:

  • Swap the Protein: Use chicken breast, turkey, or even strips of pork tenderloin.
  • Vegetarian Version: Leave out the pancetta and chicken, double up on mushrooms, and toss in peas or broccoli florets.
  • Added Veggies: Zucchini, asparagus tips, or sundried tomatoes would be lovely here. Just sauté them with the mushrooms.
  • More Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of brightness.
  • Make it Spicy: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

It’s easy to see why this dish is such a winner—it’s just a few simple steps and so much reward:

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season both sides of chicken thighs with the spice blend, making sure every inch is coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and fry until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and let them rest while you move to the sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Pancetta and Veggies

Reduce the heat to medium, then toss in the pancetta. Cook until the fat renders and the edges crisp, infusing the pan with flavor. Add mushrooms and let them soak up all those juices, then add shallots. Fry until the shallots are golden and the mushrooms are tender with a little color. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken stock and cream, stirring in Dijon mustard and parmesan. Let everything simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Pour in any juices from the resting chicken and stir in the spinach just until starting to wilt.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Combine

Meanwhile, boil a pot of well-salted water. Add fresh gnocchi and cook for about a minute—just until they float. Drain and stir the gnocchi directly into the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, letting it simmer for 1-2 minutes so everything is hot and the sauce has thickened just right. Serve straight from the pan, making sure to spoon extra sauce over the chicken and gnocchi.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Bring chicken to room temp before cooking for the most even results.
  • Don’t overcook gnocchi—it only needs a minute in boiling water or it can go mushy.
  • Crisp the pancetta well to get the most flavor in the base.
  • For best results, grate your own parmesan. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt away as creamily.
  • If the sauce feels a little thick after adding gnocchi, splash in an extra spoonful of chicken stock or reserved pasta water.

How to Serve

This is truly a main-course meal all on its own, but here are a few classic ways to elevate it:

  • Rustic Side Salad: Peppery arugula or simple greens with a citrusy vinaigrette balance out the richness and add freshness.
  • Crusty Bread: For soaking up every drop of sauce—that’s non-negotiable if you’re a sauce lover.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper and Extra Parmesan: Bring both to the table and let everyone finish their own plate.
  • Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only get better as they sit together!

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions if needed. The sauce may thicken after freezing, so stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm in a skillet over gentle heat, adding a little splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi from the shelf instead of fresh?

    Absolutely. Shelf-stable gnocchi will work—just keep in mind it may need a bit longer to cook than fresh. Follow the package instructions, but start checking for doneness earlier than suggested.

  2. Can I lighten up the recipe with single cream or a milk alternative?

    Yes, but double/heavy cream gives the sauce its classic richness. A lighter cream or even evaporated milk works in a pinch, though the texture will be thinner. Add a little more parmesan to help thicken the sauce if needed.

  3. What if I don’t have pancetta? Can I skip it?

    Pancetta adds great smoky, savory depth, but you can use regular bacon or even smoked turkey if you’d prefer. If you want to make it vegetarian, just leave it out and double up the mushrooms for extra substance.

  4. How do I avoid rubbery chicken?

    Be sure not to overcook! Chicken thighs are more forgiving, but bringing them to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking. For chicken breasts, slice them in half for quicker, even frying, and avoid crowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something cozy and memorable, all without taking much time or making a mess. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—cooking should be fun and delicious, not stressful. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you) to a dinner you’ll want to make again and again!

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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

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  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: One Pot & One Pan
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting main-course meal featuring pan-fried, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with paprika and herbs, nestled in a luscious sauce with crispy pancetta, mushrooms, tender gnocchi, and spinach. Finished with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s an easy one-pan dish perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

  • 600g / 1.3lb boneless skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

For the Creamy Gnocchi

  • 140g / 5oz diced Pancetta
  • 200g / 7oz Baby Chestnut Mushrooms, halved or quartered (or baby button mushrooms)
  • 2 Shallots, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced
  • 120ml / 1/2 cup Chicken Stock (low-salt recommended)
  • 240ml / 1 cup Double/Heavy Cream, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 40g / 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 100g / 3.5oz Baby Spinach Leaves, roughly diced
  • 500g / 1lb fresh Gnocchi
  • Salt & Pepper, as needed

Instructions

  1. Season and Cook Chicken: Coat both sides of the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides, cooking for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Lower heat if chicken starts to char too quickly. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook Pancetta and Mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium, add diced pancetta, and fry until it begins to crisp and release fat. Add mushrooms, stir, and cook until they absorb most of the fat and develop some color. Stir in the shallots and fry until softened and golden, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken stock and double cream, then stir in Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 3-5 minutes, so the sauce thickens slightly. Add in any juices released by the resting chicken and stir in the chopped spinach until just wilted.
  4. Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for 1 minute (to part-cook and remove excess starch), then drain and add to the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the gnocchi and sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes more to heat the chicken through and finish cooking the gnocchi. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with sliced chicken breasts—just adjust cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side for thinner pieces.
  • If you don’t have pancetta, streaky bacon works well as an alternative.
  • Use low-sodium chicken stock if you are sensitive to salt, and check seasoning before serving.
  • Gnocchi typically cooks in 2 minutes but is part-cooked here first to avoid mushiness. Finished cooking in the sauce makes it extra flavorful.
  • Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even results.
  • Nutritional info is calculated for 4 servings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 910mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
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Hey there, I’m Jasmine Miller, the foodie behind JmRecipes.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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