Save This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring juicy chicken thighs nestled in a bed of pillowy gnocchi and a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, it offers a sophisticated Italian-American dinner experience with minimal cleanup.
Save The magic of this dish lies in the layering of flavors. By searing the chicken first, you develop a deep golden crust that infuses the entire skillet with savory notes. The gnocchi then toasts in the same pan, absorbing the aromatics before being simmered in a luscious cream and broth mixture.
Ingredients
- Meats: 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs/680 g)
- Vegetables: 3 cups fresh baby spinach (90 g), 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Gnocchi & Dairy: 1 lb (450 g) shelf-stable potato gnocchi, 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g), plus extra for serving
- Pantry & Seasoning: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (120 ml), 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste), 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in gnocchi and toast for 2 minutes, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then fold in baby spinach until just wilted.
- Step 6
- Nestle chicken thighs into the creamy gnocchi mixture. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
- Step 7
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and gnocchi is tender.
- Step 8
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the cream sauce to thicken and the juices in the chicken to redistribute.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but be sure to adjust the baking time to ensure they don't dry out. For additional depth of flavor, try adding sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet along with the onions.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this comforting meal with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlic cream sauce. For a wine pairing, a buttery Chardonnay or a light, crisp Pinot Grigio complements the Parmesan and heavy cream beautifully.
Save This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Italian-American elegance to your dining table with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes and check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → What type of gnocchi works best?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi holds up well in the creamy sauce. Fresh or frozen gnocchi also work; adjust cooking time as needed.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor profile.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added when sautéing the onions. Just ensure vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.