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

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 66 reviews

If you’re hunting for a cozy, comforting meal that’s ready in a flash, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious, creamy sauce all in one pan—perfect for those weeknights when you want something hearty but hassle-free. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll easily become your go-to dinner that friends and family rave about.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less clean-up and more time to enjoy your meal.
Creamy, Dreamy Sauce: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan makes a rich sauce that’s velvety without being heavy.
Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something satisfying fast.
Balanced Flavors: The garlic, Italian seasoning, and white wine add layers of flavor that hit just the right spot.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick weeknight skillet meal - 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 magic of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe comes down to simple, accessible ingredients that play so well together—you get protein, comfort carbs, and fresh greens with a sauce that ties everything together perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh chicken breast and good-quality gnocchi; these make all the difference.

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick weeknight skillet meal - 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: Provides a light base for cooking and carries flavor beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra depth.
Chicken breast: Lean and tender—dicing it small ensures quick, even cooking.
Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic gives that irresistible aroma and savory punch.
Dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle brightness—don’t skip!
Italian seasoning mix: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and Mediterranean flair.
Chicken stock: Builds a flavorful liquid base for the sauce without overpowering.
Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a creamy texture and a slight tang that balances richness.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian potato dumplings that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and color, wilting down gently in the sauce.
Grated Parmesan: Sharp and nutty, finishing off the dish with umami and a touch of saltiness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and finishes the dish with freshness.

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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 that the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. Whether you like it a little spicier or want to sneak in extra veggies, it’s easy to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment—this recipe loves a personal touch!

Variation: I sometimes swap baby spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of tang. It changes the dish just enough without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Dietary Modification: Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed, or swap chicken breast for turkey or tofu for a different protein.
Heat Level: Adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking garlic gives the dish a lovely pop of heat if you like things spicy.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by warming olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, then melt your butter right in it. Once the butter is foaming, toss in the diced chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown. This browning adds flavor, so don’t rush it or overcrowd the pan.

Step 2: Aromatic Garlic and Wine Magic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute until you can smell that amazing aroma—but be careful not to burn it! Then pour in the white wine to deglaze your pan. You’ll see all those tasty browned bits lifting off into the wine—that’s flavor gold. Cook it for 1-2 minutes so the alcohol evaporates.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and pour in the chicken stock, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Once you see bubbles forming, it’s time to stir in the cream cheese. Use your spoon to break it down and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This is the heart and soul of the dish.

Step 4: Finish with Gnocchi, Spinach, and Cheese

Add the gnocchi and shredded baby spinach right into the sauce, cover your pan with a lid, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. The gnocchi will puff up tenderly while the spinach wilts into the creamy goodness. Finish by turning off the heat, stirring in grated Parmesan, and seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Don’t Rush Browning: Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking—this helps them crisp up rather than steam and keeps the sauce from getting watery.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic always gives a brighter flavor than pre-minced, making the dish pop with aroma.
Cream Cheese Patience: Stir the cream cheese slowly and completely melt it into the stock to avoid clumps and get a smooth sauce every time.
Gnocchi Timing: Keep the lid on and don’t overcook the gnocchi—they cook fast and become mushy if left too long.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, chicken gnocchi dinner, easy creamy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken gnocchi, quick weeknight skillet meal - 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 always top this skillet with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few twists of black pepper. Sometimes a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil gives it a bright, herby finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Plus, those herbs add a pop of color that makes the dish really inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty much a full meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for extra veggies. A few slices of crusty garlic bread also work beautifully to scoop up any leftover sauce—trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve the creamy chicken gnocchi in individual cast iron skillets—everyone loves their personal hot pan right at the table! Adding a colorful side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds an elegant touch and a burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the dish stays creamy and delicious for up to 3 days. If you can, try to keep the sauce separate from the gnocchi before reheating, but if not, it’s still great reheated altogether.

Freezing

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe doesn’t freeze super well due to the dairy and gnocchi texture, so I usually recommend enjoying it fresh or within a couple of days. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce base separately to mix with fresh gnocchi later for easy meals.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of stock or water if it feels too thick. This keeps the sauce silky without drying out the gnocchi or chicken.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken can be added in step 3 after the sauce is made, simply warming it through with the gnocchi and spinach. Just be careful not to overcook it to avoid drying out the chicken.
What if I don’t want to use wine in this recipe?

You can substitute the white wine with extra chicken stock or a splash of white grape juice for sweetness. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, try replacing butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and skip or substitute Parmesan with a nut-based cheese alternative. The texture and taste will vary, but you’ll still get a creamy, satisfying skillet meal.
How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking together?

Make sure to stir gently but frequently after adding gnocchi to the sauce and keep the lid on to let them steam without stirring too much. Gnocchi releases starch, which helps thicken the sauce but can cause sticking if overhandled.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—it’s simple, rewarding, and perfect for busy days or casual dinners with friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do; once you have it in your recipe arsenal, it will become a trusted favorite that always delivers. So go ahead, grab your skillet, and make tonight deliciously easy and creamy!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste

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