Save Imagine a comforting weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet meal but comes together in just one pan. This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi features tender, golden-brown chicken thighs and soft potato gnocchi simmered in a decadent Parmesan cream sauce. With fresh baby spinach and a hint of garlic, it is a perfectly balanced Italian-inspired dish that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Save The beauty of this recipe lies in the cooking process. By searing the chicken first and then deglazing the pan with white wine, you capture all the savory browned bits that infuse the cream sauce with deep flavor. As the gnocchi bakes in the sauce alongside the chicken, it absorbs the garlicky goodness, resulting in a meal that is consistently delicious and hearty.
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 (or chicken broth), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 500 g 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 4
- Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat. Nestled the chicken thighs and any accumulated juices back into the sauce.
- Step 8
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Step 9
- Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the gnocchi are tender.
- Step 10
- Stir in the chopped spinach immediately after removing from the oven to let the residual heat wilt the leaves. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, ensure you use a large oven-safe skillet to accommodate both the chicken and gnocchi. Searing the chicken until golden brown is a critical step for developing the base flavor of the entire dish. Always pat the meat dry before seasoning to get the best sear possible.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this meal, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. If you prefer different greens, kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes for the baby spinach. If you choose to avoid alcohol, simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish piping hot straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up the extra garlic cream sauce. For the perfect beverage, enjoy it with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay.
Save This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is a testament to how simple ingredients like garlic, cream, and spinach can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you are hosting a small dinner party or looking for a comforting family meal, this dish delivers sophisticated flavors with the ease of one-pan cooking.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this creamy chicken gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to step 7 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the oven time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- → Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No, the gnocchi cooks directly in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the savory flavors. This method creates tender, pillowy dumplings without the extra step of boiling water.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Pound them to even thickness and reduce the oven baking time to 12-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Thighs remain more forgiving and juicy.
- → What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Beyond spinach, try kale, Swiss chard, or peas. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted bell peppers also complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. The gnocchi will absorb more liquid as it sits.