Skillet Gnocchi with Chicken and Herb Cream Sauce: A One-Pan Wonder for Cozy Nights

There’s just something undeniably comforting about a skillet full of golden, pan-seared gnocchi mingling with tender chicken in a velvety herb cream sauce. This Skillet Gnocchi with Chicken and Herb Cream Sauce is the kind of recipe you reach for when you want a soul-warming, satisfying dinner that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. It’s one of those creamy gnocchi recipes that somehow manages to feel indulgent and rustic all at once. If you're a fan of gnocchi and chicken recipes or looking for more one pan chicken and gnocchi ideas, this one might just become a regular in your rotation.

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Skillet Gnocchi with Chicken and Herb Cream Sauce

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 generous portions

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) A must for achieving that golden crust on your gnocchi and for even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board For prepping your chicken and herbs.
• Small whisk For blending the sauce until smooth.
• Tongs Handy for flipping chicken pieces evenly.

Ingredients

  

For the Main Dish

• 1 pound potato gnocchi store-bought or homemade
• 1 pound chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small yellow onion finely diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup baby spinach optional but adds freshness
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Herb Cream Sauce

• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
• Zest of ½ lemon adds brightness

Instructions

 

Step 1: Sear the Gnocchi

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Stir and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Tip: This is a great alternative to boiling, especially if you’re wondering how to cook gnocchi in a way that adds texture and depth to your gnocchi dishes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chicken tenders that have been cut into chunks, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil, and sauté for 6–7 minutes until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Remove and set aside with the gnocchi.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

1. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Sauté the diced onion for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Herb Cream Sauce

1. Sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour and whisk it into the onion-garlic mix to create a quick roux. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking, then stir in the heavy cream. Add the red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, chives, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Add spinach if using and stir everything to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and, if you want a slight baked finish, place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the top bubbles and browns slightly.

Pairings

This dish is hearty on its own, but a few simple sides and sips can elevate your gnocchi dinner recipes even further.

Wine Pairing

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Viognier complements the creaminess beautifully. If you prefer reds, go for a light Pinot Noir to keep the pairing smooth and balanced.

Side Dishes

• Garlic-roasted broccolini: Adds a pop of green and crunch.
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette: The bitterness of the greens balances the richness of the sauce.
• Toasted ciabatta or garlic bread: Ideal for soaking up every last bit of that herb cream sauce.

Dessert Idea

A lemon sorbet or panna cotta with fresh berries keeps the meal light and refreshing after such a comforting main.

FAQs

1. What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Chicken tenders are perfect for quick cooking and remain juicy. However, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful bite or boneless breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.

2. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely. Most gnocchi recipes like this one use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi found in grocery stores. They work great for simple gnocchi recipes and are a pantry staple for easy weeknight meals.

3. Is this a healthy gnocchi recipe?

While it’s on the creamy side, you can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, skipping the cheese, or adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. These tweaks make it one of the more flexible and potentially healthy gnocchi recipes.

4. Can I bake this dish instead of finishing it on the stovetop?

Yes! Once everything is mixed together in the skillet, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes. This is a great option if you’re a fan of baked gnocchi recipes and want that bubbly, golden top.

5. Can I make it into a soup?

Funny you ask—this dish can absolutely be adapted into an easy chicken gnocchi soup. Just add more chicken broth and a splash of milk or cream, and simmer until everything is tender. It’s a twist on the creamy chicken soups you already love.