Save It This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken thighs and pillowy gnocchi nestled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan and fresh baby spinach, it brings the warmth of Italian-inspired flavors to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Save It The magic happens as the chicken thighs sear to a golden brown, leaving behind savory bits that flavor the entire sauce. As the gnocchi bakes directly in the cream, it absorbs the garlic and herb notes, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Seasoning: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce & Gnocchi: 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ cup dry white wine (optional), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 500 g (18 oz) potato gnocchi, 3 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped), ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Step 4
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Deglaze pan with white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7
- Add gnocchi to the skillet, stir to coat. Return chicken thighs and any juices to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Step 8
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Transfer skillet to preheated oven.
- Step 9
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and gnocchi are tender.
- Step 10
- Stir in spinach right after removing from the oven, letting the heat wilt the leaves. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. Be sure to use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or stainless steel, as the dish moves from the stovetop directly into the high-heat oven.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute the baby spinach with roughly chopped kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet to keep it hot. It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up the garlic cream sauce and a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay.
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With its velvety sauce and perfectly seared chicken, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well. Reduce oven time to 12-15 minutes and check that internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- → What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer everything to a greased baking dish after adding the gnocchi and chicken back to the sauce, then bake as directed.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance. The cream sauce may thicken when refrigerated; add a splash of broth when reheating.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half creates a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich. For dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk, but note the flavor will change slightly.
- → How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
Gnocchi should be tender and slightly puffed after baking. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they'll take the full baking time; fresh gnocchi may cook faster.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables with the sauce, delicate ones at the end.