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