Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350 g (12 oz) chicken breast, diced; 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 180 g (6.3 oz) cream cheese; 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, roughly shredded; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine; 400 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock; 500 g (1 lb) gnocchi; Freshly ground black pepper; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall in love with this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. Picture tender chicken nestled in pillowy gnocchi, all swimming in a dreamy, garlicky cream sauce with a hint of spinach freshness. It’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough to impress company–trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to dinner classics.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, One-Pan Prep: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Balanced Flavors: The garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan bring a great depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Comforting Texture: Soft gnocchi mixed with juicy chicken and silky cream cheese creates the ultimate comfort food.
Quick Cooking Time: You can have dinner on the table in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken and gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken skillet, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick comfort food recipes - A close-up of a glass bowl filled with creamy gnocchi pasta covered in a thick white sauce mixed with small pieces of shrimp and green herbs, topped with a layer of finely grated cheese in the center. The sauce looks smooth and rich, with the gnocchi soft and rounded, evenly spread throughout the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the shot captures the dish from above, showing the creamy texture and details of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe come together to create layers of flavor and texture, without requiring anything complicated or hard to find. I love how the cream cheese melts into the chicken stock to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi and wilted spinach.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken and gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken skillet, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick comfort food recipes - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pat of unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, diced raw chicken breast pieces arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled placed beside a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl containing mixed Italian herbs, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken stock, a block of fresh cream cheese on a white ceramic plate, a mound of fresh gnocchi arranged on a white ceramic dish, a handful of bright baby spinach leaves loosely spread, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a small pile of whole black peppercorns all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances the sauce.
Chicken breast: Lean and tender protein that cooks fast and soaks up all those lovely flavors.
Garlic: Essential for depth and aromatic punch.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and a subtle fruity brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
Italian seasoning mix: A blend of herbs that infuses a classic Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken stock: Creates the liquid base and savory backbone for the sauce.
Cream cheese: Melts into a velvety, creamy sauce without being too heavy.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the creamy goodness.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a gentle earthy flavor.
Grated Parmesan: Sharp and salty finish that rounds out the whole dish.
Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of heat and spice to balance the cream.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this creamy chicken gnocchi skillet my own by adding little twists depending on my mood and what’s in the fridge. Feel free to adjust the herbs, swap out greens, or even sneak in some veggies for extra color and nutrition. This recipe is super forgiving and forgiving like a good friend.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out baby spinach for kale or arugula for a pepperier bite – both work beautifully.
Dietary Option: For a dairy-free version, I’ve had success using coconut cream instead of cream cheese – the flavor changes but still delicious.
Protein Upgrade: Want more punch? Add cooked bacon or sausage pieces for smoky goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat, then add the butter. You want the butter to melt fully and get a little foamy—that’s your cue to add the diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes until it’s a gorgeous golden color all over. This browning step gives the chicken extra flavor and locks in moisture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Garlic and Wine

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Then pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. This step cooks off the alcohol while leaving behind a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the Italian seasoning mix and chicken stock, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once you see the bubbles, lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese. Use your spoon to break it up and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and silky. It’s magic how the cream cheese melts down into such a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi!

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach, Then Finish

Pop in the gnocchi and shredded baby spinach, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes—you want the gnocchi cooked through and the spinach nicely wilted. After that, turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve immediately while that creamy goodness is still piping hot.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer for a nice sear instead of steaming it.
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: It melts faster and blends smoothly into the sauce.
Watch Your Simmer: Keep it gentle to avoid breaking the sauce or overcooking the gnocchi.
Add Parmesan at the End: Stir it in off the heat to keep the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken and gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken skillet, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick comfort food recipes - The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy gnocchi mixed with pieces of cooked chicken. The gnocchi are small, round, light yellow, and soft looking, coated in a smooth, thick white cream sauce with small herbs scattered throughout. The chicken pieces are light brown, tender, and mixed evenly among the gnocchi. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some grated cheese scattered around it. A striped cloth is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts, either—it’s my go-to finishing touch for that extra umami kick.

Side Dishes

This skillet is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli pair wonderfully. Crusty garlic bread is also an easy winner for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls topped with microgreens and edible flowers. It makes the rustic skillet feel a bit more special and festive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. In the fridge, they keep well for 2-3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a surprisingly tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

Because of the cream cheese sauce, freezing isn’t my favorite, but if you want to, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often, and adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce thickens too much. The microwave works in a pinch, but watch the sauce so it doesn’t overcook and separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just fine. Just make sure to add a couple of extra cooking minutes and check they’re tender before finishing with the Parmesan and spinach. You want them soft but not mushy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or a mix of cream and a bit of flour can work to thicken the sauce. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt stirred in at the end, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can skip the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, then add mushrooms or another hearty veggie in place of the chicken. The creaminess and gnocchi keep it satisfying without meat.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi cooks pretty fast. When you cover the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, test a piece with a fork or spoon—it should be tender but still hold its shape without falling apart.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those meals I find myself coming back to again and again because it’s just so straightforward and comforting. It feels like a treat without taking forever to make, and the way the flavors meld together is downright addictive. If you want a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and cozy, give this recipe a whirl—I promise you’re going to love how it fills your kitchen with delicious smells and your belly with happiness.