One-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi (ready in 25 Minutes) You’ll Crave

A speedy comfort dish made for busy nights—creamy, flavorful, and all cooked in one pan with minimal cleanup.

Picture this: you’re starving after a long day, you open the fridge, and you see chicken, a packet of gnocchi, and some sad-looking spinach. Most people would stare in despair. You? You’re about to make greatness happen—in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode. This dish isn’t just dinner, it’s a power move against takeout. Rich, dreamy sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi combine like a Michelin-star love story. And the beauty? You’ll only be washing one pan. Go ahead, feel smug.

The Secret Behind This Recipe

The magic starts with pan-searing the chicken until golden, unlocking those savory bits at the bottom—aka flavor gold. Then, instead of boiling gnocchi separately, you cook them right in the sauce so they soak up every drop of cream, garlic, and herb. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring brightness that keeps it from sliding into “too heavy” territory. The whole process is built for speed without sacrificing depth, so you get restaurant quality in weekday time.

Shopping List – Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 16 oz package potato gnocchi
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t burn it unless you want sadness.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up all those glorious browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes.
4. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and gnocchi. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and sauce thickens.
5. Stir in spinach until just wilted. Add chicken back in, sprinkle Parmesan, and mix well.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot and enjoy your victory lap.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken overnight—just splash in a little broth or cream when reheating. Skip freezing if possible; gnocchi can get weird in texture after thawing (nobody wants soggy pillows).

What’s Great About This

• Fast: 25 minutes from start to table.
• One pan: Less cleanup means more Netflix.
• Balanced: Creamy comfort meets veggies for a win-win.
• Versatile: Works for date night or Tuesday dinner without breaking the bank.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overcrowd the chicken—steaming it kills the golden sear.
• Don’t skip scraping the pan; that’s flavor you’ll regret losing.
• Don’t overcook spinach—it turns into sad green mush fast.
• Don’t drown it in sauce before tasting—balance is key here, chef.

Mix It Up

• Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter seafood vibe.
• Use kale instead of spinach if you want more bite.
• Add mushrooms for an earthy punch.
• Throw in roasted red peppers for color and sweetness.

FAQ

Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?

Yes, but fresh gnocchi cooks faster and stays softer. Shelf-stable works fine—just add a minute or two of cooking time.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?

Swap half the cream with milk and add a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken. Flavor stays rich but calories drop.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Find gluten-free gnocchi at most health-food stores and check labels on broth and Parmesan.

What side pairs best?

A crisp green salad cuts through the richness. Garlic bread works too if you’re feeling extra carb-happy.

How can I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust to your heat tolerance—no shame in sweating a little.

Final Thoughts

This dish is your cheat code to weeknight glory—minimal fuss, massive flavor. The rich cream sauce clings to every gnocchi, the chicken adds protein punch, and the greens keep it lively. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s one of those recipes that makes you look like you’ve got your life together (even if your laundry says otherwise). In 25 minutes flat, you’re eating comfort food royalty—and doing it without a pile of dirty dishes mocking you from the sink.