One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms and spinach, this dish comes together quickly and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan for easy cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Creamy and Comforting – A luscious sauce coats the gnocchi and chicken for a satisfying meal.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile – Easily adaptable for different diets and flavor preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (17-oz) package gnocchi
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the shallot and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and oregano, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add half and half and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
- Stir in the gnocchi and return the chicken to the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet again and set aside.
4. Finish the Dish
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, mixing until melted.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or a plant-based protein alternative.
- Spicy Kick – Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk or oat milk instead of half and half, and substitute with dairy-free cheese.
- Herb Infusion – Add fresh basil or parsley for a fresh flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well. No need to thaw—just add them directly to the skillet.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Combine everything when ready to serve.
What should I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Store-bought gnocchi, whether fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable, all work well.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina, and use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi is a rich, creamy, and comforting meal that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and easy weeknight cooking. Juicy seared chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky sauce with mushrooms and spinach all come together in just one skillet for a delicious, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (17-oz) package gnocchi
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil.
- Sauté shallot and mushrooms for 5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and oregano; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Add half and half, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
- Stir in gnocchi, then return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Remove chicken from skillet again and set aside.
4. Finish the Dish
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Slice chicken and return to the skillet.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken, add extra mushrooms or plant-based protein.
- Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or oat milk; swap cheese for dairy-free options.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat with extra broth or cream; microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
