If weeknight dinners have been feeling repetitive, let me introduce you to your new favorite comfort meal: the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights. This dish brings together pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies all in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce — and yes, you’ll only need one pan! It’s effortless to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for those hurried nights when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours cooking or cleaning.

One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things joyfully simple with kitchen staples and a few flavorful enhancements. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the creamy, colorful, and hearty personality of the dish.

Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken (Breast or Thighs): Choose your favorite cut; both give juicy chunks that soak up all the sauce.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Quick and easy seasoning that brings out the chicken’s savory notes.
Yellow Onion: Sweetens and deepens the flavor of the base.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic really wakes up the sauce and pairs beautifully with the gnocchi.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their juiciness and pop of color brighten every bite.
Chicken Broth: Delivers savory depth and makes the perfect backdrop for simmering the gnocchi.
Shelf-Stable Potato Gnocchi: These little dumplings become dreamy and tender as they cook right in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and ensures a truly creamy finish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami goodness that ties everything together.
Baby Spinach: Sneaks in greens and wilts beautifully at the end for color and nutrients.
Fresh Basil (Optional for Garnish): A handful of basil leaves makes each serving extra aromatic and fresh.

How to Make One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every bite is well seasoned. Add the chicken to the pan and let it cook until delightfully golden and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally for even browning! Once it’s ready, set the chicken aside on a plate (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later).

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics and Tomatoes

In the same pan, toss in your diced onion. Let it sizzle for a couple of minutes until translucent and smelling sweet. Add minced garlic and those halved cherry tomatoes, stirring for just another minute or two. The tomatoes will begin to soften and their juices will mingle perfectly with the aromatic onion and garlic.

Step 3: Simmer the Gnocchi

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a vibrant simmer. Now the fun part: stir in the gnocchi directly (no need to boil in a separate pot!). Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, giving it an occasional gentle stir. The gnocchi will soak up the broth and become wonderfully pillowy and tender, all while creating the backbone of your sauce.

Step 4: Creamy Finale

Reduce the heat to low and swirl in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, turning everything irresistible. Return your cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the fresh baby spinach. Watch as the spinach wilts into the hot cream sauce, adding a beautiful green touch. It’s all almost too good to be true!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish, stir once more to make sure everything is silky and coated, then scatter over some fresh basil. Serve hot and watch the smiles appear at your table. That’s how easy it is to create the ultimate One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights!

How to Serve One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of torn basil. If you like a hint of heat, red pepper flakes are delightful! These garnishes don’t just add flavor; they also make your bowl look inviting and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish already covers your protein, carbs, and veggies, but a crisp green salad or some crusty bread would complement it beautifully. The salad adds a refreshing contrast, while bread is perfect for sopping up that extra cream sauce — trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of restaurant magic, serve your One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights in shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of basil pesto on top. Or, for a cozy rustic vibe, spoon everything into a large serving dish and bring the pot straight to the table for everyone to scoop their own. It’s all about enjoying it your way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The creamy sauce keeps the gnocchi and chicken perfectly moist in the fridge for up to three days. It’s just as dreamy the next day!

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes separate in the freezer, this dish freezes well in small portions. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to two months. Just know the texture of the sauce may change a bit upon thawing (but the flavor will still be delicious).

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up as the sauce warms. Stir gently and heat until everything is just hot. Microwave reheating also works, but pour a bit of liquid over the top to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply stir it in at the same stage as the cooked chicken to warm it through. It makes the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights even faster for those days when you need dinner on the table in a flash.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

This recipe is flexible! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can be added after the onion and sautéed until tender. Feel free to experiment — that’s the beauty of the One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternative (like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream), and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The dish remains creamy and satisfying with a subtle twist.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?

While potato gnocchi are classic here, you can substitute with mini ravioli or tortellini in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with all sorts of pillowy pasta shapes!

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Yes, it’s an excellent meal prep option. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors meld as it sits, making each reheated bowl of One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a quick, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal, you’ll fall in love with this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with family, and make it your own signature weeknight wonder. Here’s to fewer dishes and more delicious dinners!

One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender gnocchi, succulent chicken, and a creamy sauce with hints of garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dish:

1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1½ cups chicken broth
1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable potato gnocchi
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add seasoned chicken, and cook until browned. Set aside.
Prepare the Dish: Sauté onion, garlic, and tomatoes. Add broth and gnocchi, simmer until tender. Stir in cream, cheese, chicken, and spinach.
Serve: Garnish with basil and enjoy hot.