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One-Pan Creamy Chicken

One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Gnocchi and Spinach

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Gnocchi and Spinach combines juicy golden-seared chicken, tender gnocchi, and a velvety mushroom-spinach sauce in one skillet. It’s cozy, creamy, and bursting with restaurant-quality flavor — all ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 610
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
For the Sauce
  • 1 small shallot, finely 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
  • 1.25 cups half-and-half
  • Crushed red pepper flakes a pinch, to taste
To Finish
  • 17 oz package gnocchi shelf-stable or refrigerated
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups baby spinach, packed

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Build the Flavor Base: Lower heat to medium, add remaining olive oil, and sauté shallot and mushrooms for 5 minutes until golden. Add garlic, thyme, and oregano; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits.
  3. Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add gnocchi and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer 8–10 minutes, until sauce thickens and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches: Remove chicken briefly, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Slice chicken and return to skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan (optional). Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or omit meat and add extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.