Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce made with mushrooms and spinach, it’s a quick and easy meal that tastes like it took hours. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan for easy cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (17-oz) package gnocchi
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add the shallot and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and oregano, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
- Add half and half and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
- Stir in the gnocchi and return the chicken to the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet again and set aside.
4. Finish the Dish
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Serve
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use extra mushrooms or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or oat milk in place of half and half and dairy-free cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add peas, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian