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creamy chicken gnocchi cheese

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

Enjoy the irresistible creaminess of soft gnocchi paired with golden sautéed chicken and a luscious blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. This quick dish combines gentle seasoning and a splash of white wine to create a delicate, flavorful sauce that coats every bite. Fresh spinach folded in at the end adds color and balance. Simple yet decadent, it’s perfect for fast weeknight dinners and delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. Serve straight from the pan with a twist of black pepper for a cozy, satisfying meal the whole table will appreciate.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:20:43 GMT
A bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi. Pin
A bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi. | mellierecipes.com

Creamy chicken gnocchi with cream cheese is the stuff dinner dreams are made of. This one pan wonder brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi and a silky sauce in only 20 minutes. Easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to feel like a treat, it is the kind of meal everyone asks for again and again.

I whipped this up in a hurry after a cold walk and was amazed how quickly it turned out so rich and satisfying. Now even my pickiest eater asks for seconds every time.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: helps the chicken brown and keeps everything from sticking
  • Unsalted butter: adds richness and makes the sauce velvety
  • Chicken breast: choose plump fresh fillets and dice evenly for quick cooking
  • Garlic cloves: do not skimp here for best flavor
  • Dry white wine: adds complexity a splash of sauvignon blanc works perfectly
  • Italian seasoning mix: brings in herby aroma use a good quality blend
  • Chicken stock: homemade or low sodium store bought gives depth
  • Cream cheese: opt for full fat for the silkiest finish
  • Gnocchi: look for fresh or vacuum packed and check for lightness
  • Baby spinach: buy prewashed and shred just before adding for freshness
  • Grated Parmesan: use real Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it yourself for best taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: rounds out the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Pan:
Pour olive oil into a large deep pan then add the butter and let it melt fully until foaming for around one minute
Cook the Chicken:
Scatter the diced chicken in a single layer and cook over medium heat stir occasionally for four to five minutes until all sides turn golden
Sauté Garlic:
Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for one more minute keep stirring to avoid burning and unleash the aroma
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble away for one to two minutes so the alcohol cooks off leaving just flavor
Simmer with Seasoning:
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning then add chicken stock bring the whole mixture up to a steady simmer watch for gentle bubbling
Melt the Cream Cheese:
Drop the cream cheese into the pan use your spoon to break it up and stir constantly until it fully melts into a lump free creamy sauce
Add Gnocchi and Spinach:
Tip in the gnocchi followed by the shredded spinach cover the pan and let everything cook together for three to five minutes until the gnocchi is tender
Finish with Parmesan:
Turn off the heat fold in the grated Parmesan and season to taste with black pepper and salt serve immediately while hot and glossy
A bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi. Pin
A bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi. | mellierecipes.com

The nutty Parmesan is my personal favorite part of the dish especially when it melds into the creamy sauce. One snowy evening my family devoured this straight out of the pot around our kitchen island and it made for the coziest memory.

Storage Tips

This creamy chicken gnocchi keeps well covered in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce and stir gently until hot. I recommend reheating only what you will eat to keep that perfect creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breast for thigh for extra juiciness or use leftover roast chicken in a pinch. If you are out of spinach try kale or finely chopped broccoli. Craving a vegetarian version Just leave out the chicken and add mushrooms for hearty bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this gnocchi straight from the pan with a crisp green salad or some garlicky bread on the side. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is never a bad idea. For a special touch drizzle with a drop of truffle oil right before serving.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of fresh breast?

Yes, add cooked chicken with the cream cheese and gnocchi to heat through gently without drying it out.

→ What can I substitute for dry white wine?

Use extra chicken stock for a milder flavor or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

→ Is store-bought gnocchi suitable for this dish?

Yes, fresh or packaged gnocchi both work well. Cook according to package directions before adding if needed.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat moderate and stir cream cheese in gradually for a smooth, velvety finish.

→ Can this meal be reheated?

Gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of stock or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

creamy chicken gnocchi cheese

Golden chicken, creamy cheese sauce, tender gnocchi, and spinach for a warming, speedy comfort meal.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
20 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Italian

Result Amount: 4 Portions (Serves 4)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 30 g unsalted butter
03 350 g chicken breast, diced
04 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 75 ml dry white wine
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
07 400 ml chicken stock
08 180 g cream cheese
09 500 g gnocchi
10 100 g baby spinach, roughly shredded
11 30 g grated Parmesan
12 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 Salt, to taste

How to Prepare

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Once foaming, add diced chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden.

Step 02

Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Pour in dry white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow most of the alcohol to evaporate. Incorporate Italian seasoning and chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Step 04

Add cream cheese to the simmering liquid and stir continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 05

Add gnocchi and shredded baby spinach. Cover with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and spinach wilted.

Step 06

Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan, and season with freshly ground black pepper and salt as needed. Serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and creaminess.
  2. Ensure the sauce remains smooth by stirring constantly while incorporating cream cheese.

Tools Required

  • Large deep pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (gnocchi)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 732
  • Fat Content: 33 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 61 grams
  • Protein Content: 43 grams