Image source: The Kitchn

Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Bake (Ultimate Comfort Food)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

A cozy, comforting dinner with easy cleanup! This creamy one-pan chicken and gnocchi bake is a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in a single pan for the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi Bake

This one pan chicken and gnocchi bake is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. As a chef, I love how the starch from the gnocchi naturally thickens the sauce, creating a luxurious texture without needing heavy cream. The dish originates from Italian comfort food traditions, combining the hearty texture of gnocchi with tender chicken in a creamy, garlicky sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors develop as everything cooks together in one pan. The gnocchi absorbs the savory flavors of the chicken and sauce, while the cheese topping adds a beautiful golden crust. It's equally perfect for a casual family dinner or for impressing guests at a cozy dinner party.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Chef's Ingredient Notes:

Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks more quickly than shelf-stable versions. If using fresh, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Chicken: Thighs stay juicier than breasts when baked, but you can substitute with breast meat if preferred.

Cheese: For better melting, use freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

   CHEF'S TIP: Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet for best browning. Non-stick pans won't develop the same depth of flavor.

2. Brown the chicken: Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

   PRO TIP: Don't crowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.

3. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add Italian seasoning and bring to a simmer.
5. Add gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and browned chicken. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add creamy elements: Pour in the heavy cream and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.

   SECRET TECHNIQUE: For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.

7. Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top. Transfer to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

   VISUAL CUE: The dish is ready when the edges are bubbling and the top has golden-brown spots.

8. Finish and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips and Variations

Master Chef Techniques

• Perfect gnocchi texture: For crispier gnocchi, sauté them in the pan for 3-4 minutes before adding liquid to create a golden crust.
• Flavor booster: Add 1 tsp of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth without noticeable mustard flavor.
• Prevent curdling: Temper the cream by adding a little hot cooking liquid to it before pouring into the pan.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
• Spicy version: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
• Lighter option: Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream and increase chicken broth.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free gnocchi (many are made with potato and corn starch).

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to account for the cold start. Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 1/6 of recipe | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 22g

This one pan chicken and gnocchi bake provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the gnocchi, and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil. The dish is particularly rich in calcium from the dairy and B vitamins from the chicken. For a lighter version, reducing the cheese quantity or using low-fat alternatives can decrease the calorie count while maintaining flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty one pan chicken and gnocchi bake is substantial enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with:

• A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted green vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up extra sauce
• For drinks, try a light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, or a crisp lager beer

Presentation tip: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for color contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted. However, they may dry out more easily. Cut them into slightly larger pieces (about 1.5-inch cubes) and reduce the initial browning time by 1-2 minutes. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

The key is to avoid overcooking. Fresh gnocchi requires less cooking time than shelf-stable versions. Also, don't stir too frequently once the gnocchi is added. The starch released by the gnocchi helps thicken the sauce, but too much stirring can break them down.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. The flavors often improve after resting, making this a great make-ahead meal.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or evaporated milk. For dairy-free, coconut milk works well (it will add a subtle coconut flavor). In any substitution, the sauce may be slightly less thick but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This one pan chicken and gnocchi bake has become a staple in my kitchen for its perfect balance of comfort and convenience. The creamy texture, savory chicken, and tender gnocchi create a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked ease.

I'd love to hear how your one pan chicken and gnocchi bake turns out! Share your creations and variations in the comments below. For more easy one-pan recipes and cooking tips, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.

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