If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, let me introduce you to Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi. This dish is a symphony of pillowy cauliflower potato gnocchi, tender golden seared chicken thighs, vibrant wilted kale, and a dreamy, Parmesan-laced sauce that begs to be scooped up with a spoon. Every bite is rich, cozy, and just a little bit luxurious – absolutely perfect for a weeknight treat or to impress someone special with your homemade flair. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few smart cooking steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that brings everyone rushing to the dinner table.

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi truly shine is its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table. They build layers of flavor and texture, guaranteeing every bite is irresistibly comforting and full of color.

Cauliflower potato gnocchi: These little dumplings give the dish its pillowy base, soaking up all that luscious sauce and adding a subtle earthy note.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Naturally juicy and flavorful, thighs stay perfectly tender after a quick sear and bake.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: The key to well-seasoned chicken and a balanced sauce throughout.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the chicken and the creamy sauce; using a bit extra makes all the difference.
Shallot: Offers a softly sweet onion flavor that melts tantalizingly into the sauce.
Garlic: Brings warmth and aromatic depth (and let’s be honest, no creamy dish is complete without it!)
Fresh thyme leaves: A sprinkle of thyme lends an herby freshness and beautiful aroma.
All-purpose flour: This is our magic thickener for the sauce, ensuring it turns out velvety and luscious.
Chicken broth: Builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce and keeps everything perfectly moist.
Dry white wine: A splash brightens and deepens the sauce, giving it that special restaurant-level taste (optional but recommended!)
Half and half: This is the secret to the sauce’s creamy finish without being too heavy.
Kale: The green, leafy superstar that adds color, texture, and a bit of nutritional goodness.
Freshly grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce and on top, lending a salty, nutty kick you’ll crave again and again.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a large pot or Dutch oven of salted water to a boil. Drop in the cauliflower potato gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes, until they float to the top. Drain them well and set aside, marveling for a moment at their pillowy texture. The gnocchi are the backbone of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, ready to absorb all those delicious flavors ahead.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry, then season both sides liberally with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, arrange the chicken in a single layer and sear until each side is golden brown and cooked through—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken reaches that magical 165 degree F internal temperature. Set those gorgeously golden pieces aside to rest.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Now, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet, letting it soak up all those tasty brown bits left by the chicken. Add the diced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and translucent (around 3 to 5 minutes). Toss in the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme next, stirring just until fragrant—about a minute is all it takes for those incredible aromas to fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly as it cooks and turns just lightly golden, about 1 minute. Now comes the magic: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and white wine, whisking all the while. The mixture will start to thicken after about 3 to 5 minutes of gentle bubbling, deepening in color and scent. Turn the heat down and stir in the half and half, letting it simmer just another minute or two until everything is luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked gnocchi and torn kale to the creamy sauce, stirring gently so the gnocchi absorb some of the liquid and the kale wilts down, turning a rich green (about 1 to 2 minutes). Nestle the chicken thighs back in, then shower the whole pan generously with freshly grated Parmesan. Pop your skillet into a preheated 400 degree F oven and bake until it’s bubbling, golden, and utterly tempting—10 to 12 minutes is all it takes for Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi to become dinner perfection.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Garnishes

Finish your pan right before serving with a final flurry of grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of torn fresh thyme, and a generous crack of black pepper. These little touches make the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi look as irresistible as it tastes, and they add a bit of freshness and bite to every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your feast, consider a crisp, lemony salad or simple steamed asparagus. A loaf of crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. And a sparkling glass of that same white wine you used in the sauce is never a bad idea!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, spoon individual servings of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi into shallow bowls and let everyone dig in. Or, serve it family-style straight from the Dutch oven at the center of the table—big spoon, plenty of napkins, and lots of sharing. Want to add your own flair? Try topping each plate with a handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi left over (and that’s a big if!), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors just get better as they meld, and the gnocchi likely soak up even more of that savory sauce, making for a mouthwatering lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, as gnocchi can sometimes get a bit soft if microwaved straight from the freezer.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding an extra splash of chicken broth or half and half if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between. Either method will quickly return your Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi to creamy, comforting glory.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the thighs?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut—just shred it and stir it in with the gnocchi and kale before baking. It’s a great way to save time while still enjoying all the cozy flavors of Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a vegan alternative, use unsweetened plant milk (like oat or cashew cream) in place of half and half, and finish with dairy-free Parmesan. The result will be lighter but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Can I substitute spinach for the kale?

Spinach works beautifully as a substitute for kale in Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi. Just toss it in toward the end—since it wilts much faster than kale—and enjoy the pop of green and mild flavor it brings.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No white wine on hand? No worries! Simply replace it with extra chicken broth for the deglazing step. The sauce will be just as delicious and family-friendly.

Do I need to use cauliflower potato gnocchi, or can I use regular gnocchi?

You can use any store-bought (or homemade) gnocchi for this recipe. The cauliflower version adds a subtle earthiness and sneaks in a veggie boost, but classic potato gnocchi delivers that iconic pillowy bite that works just as well!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and rewarding it is to make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi, I hope you’ll gather your ingredients and dive into this comforting classic. It’s the kind of meal that makes every night feel special, whether you share it around a bustling family table or cozy up with a bowl all to yourself. Give it a try—you just might find it’s your new crave-worthy favorite!

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this comforting dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty kale, all enveloped in a luscious sauce.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cook gnocchi: Boil gnocchi according to package instructions; drain well.
Season and cook chicken: Season chicken, cook in butter until golden brown and cooked through; set aside.
Prepare sauce: Cook shallot, garlic, thyme, whisk in flour, then gradually add broth, wine, and half and half until thickened; season.
Combine and bake: Stir in gnocchi and kale, add chicken, sprinkle with Parmesan, bake until bubbly.
Serve: Serve hot.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American