Gnocchi with spinach and chicken is a comforting, well-balanced dish that combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce. The mild flavor of gnocchi, paired with the savory chicken and earthy spinach, creates a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce ties all the ingredients together, making each bite rich and flavorful.
To begin, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cooked until golden brown and juicy. Once cooked, the chicken is sliced into strips or cubes and set aside. The gnocchi, which can be either homemade or store-bought, is boiled in salted water until it floats to the surface, signaling that it’s cooked to perfection. The gnocchi’s soft, delicate texture serves as the ideal base for this dish.
In the same pan used to cook the chicken, a bit of olive oil or butter is added, and fresh spinach is sautéed until wilted. The spinach adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. Garlic is then sautéed in the pan to enhance the overall flavor before adding heavy cream to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Grated Parmesan cheese is stirred in to thicken the sauce, adding richness and depth. The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, giving it an extra layer of warmth.
Once the sauce is ready, the cooked gnocchi, chicken, and spinach are added to the pan, and everything is gently tossed together to ensure the gnocchi is coated in the creamy sauce. The result is a beautifully balanced dish that combines the delicate, pillowy gnocchi with the tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Gnocchi with spinach and chicken can be served as a standalone meal or accompanied by a simple side salad or crusty bread. The creamy sauce and hearty ingredients make this dish a satisfying choice for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together simple ingredients in a deliciously indulgent way.
Ingredients
- 500 grams gnocchi store-bought or homemade
- 250 grams chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 100 grams spinach fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is heated through and spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Eh, it was okay. The chicken took too long to cook and the spinach was kinda bland. Not sure I’d make it again.
This was so easy and delicious! My kids loved it, especially the gnocchi. Will make again!
I think the recipe needs more seasoning. Was kinda bland.
Who even likes spinach? Left it out and it was still yummy!
Too easy! I wanted a challenge! But it did taste nice.
Absolutely love this recipe! The gnocchi turned out so creamy and delicious. My kids devoured it!
Why would you put spinach in it?? Totally ruins the dish! Just stick to chicken and cream.
Meh… pretty bland. Needed more flavor. I added some italian seasoning.
Delicious!!! The garlic gives it a kick! I will try adding other veggies next time.
I love adding veggies too! Maybe try bell peppers or mushrooms next time, they go great with it.
I had to substitute chicken with shrimp since I didn’t have any chicken breast. Still turned out great!
I didn’t have chicken, so I used tofu and it was fab!
I found it a bit bland. Maybe add some herbs next time? Not bad though.
Yum!!! Satisfying meal for sure.
Absolutely! This dish looks amazing! Can’t wait to try making it myself.
Why do you need cream? Can’t you just use water? Sounds wasteful.
Tried it last night. I mixed up the order of cooking, and it still turned out great!
This was amazing! So creamy and delicious, my family loved it! Will definitely make again.
Sounds good, but isn’t gnocchi just potato? I thought it wouldn’t be so creamy with just chicken and spinach. Got any tips?
I totally agree! This dish is a hit for my family too. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
I dunno… Something felt off, maybe too much garlic? 🤷♂️
You need to season the chicken more! Mine was bland. 😕
I struggled with the cooking time. Gnocchi took longer than 5 mins for me.
First time making gnocchi. I used frozen gnocchi, and it still tasted great! Thanks for the easy recipe!
It was okay, but why do you need so much cream? Seemed a bit heavy. Maybe use half?
This recipe is a game changer! I never knew gnocchi could taste this good.
I agree! This recipe really brings out the flavors. Gnocchi is my favorite now!
Delicious! But I used frozen spinach and I think it messed with the texture.
Meh. The gnocchi was too mushy for my liking. Not a fan.
Delish! 👌
Really easy recipe, but a little too rich for my taste. Maybe less cream next time.
I totally get what you mean! The cream can definitely be over the top. I like to add some more veggies instead, makes it lighter! 😊
So easy! I made this for dinner in under 30 minutes. Perfect weeknight meal!
I totally agree! This was a game changer for my weeknight dinners. Thanks for sharing!
This is like a cheat meal! Too rich for my taste. Probably won’t make again.
I understand! It is pretty creamy. Maybe try less cream next time?
Yummy! I added some mushrooms and it turned out great! Will make again.
Gnocchi from a store? Come on! Homemade is the only way to go! 👎
I agree! Homemade gnocchi is the best! But sometimes you just gotta be realistic. Store-bought can save time when you’re busy!
Who has time to make gnocchi from scratch? Plus, this recipe looks delicious! 😋
Not sure if I did it right, but my gnocchi turned out mushy. How do you even cook these? 🤔
This was amazing! My family loved it! 😍
I thought it was too heavy with the cream. Maybe less cream next time?
I totally agree! The cream can be overpowering. Less next time sounds like a good idea.
This was so easy and delicious! My family loved it, will definitely make again!
I’m glad you loved it! It’s a real crowd-pleaser in our house too.
This dish was amazing! Super creamy and the flavors were spot on. My family loved it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Gnocchi is one of my favorites too. Did you add anything else to the recipe?
This is my new favorite dish! So creamy and delicious! Will make again!
Not my cup of tea. Gnocchi was too chewy for me, maybe I cooked it wrong.
I’m sorry to hear that! The texture can vary, maybe try a different brand of gnocchi next time!
Quick and easy! Perfect for weeknights! 🥳
I dunno… looks too easy. Is it really gonna taste good? 🤔
Totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! 🔥
Is gnocchi even gluten-free? I don’t think this is a healthy dish for my diet.
Just made this, and it was sooooo good! I added extra garlic, yum!
That’s awesome! I love garlic too! Makes everything better! 😍
I forgot the spinach but it still taste good! Lol. 🙈
Gnocchi too mushy, I liked the chicken, but the cream was too much. 🙁
Mushy gnocchi? Hmm, I think you just need to drain them better or cook them for less time. But I love chicken with cream! Can’t go wrong there.
I totally get you! Gnocchi can be tricky. Maybe try cooking them a bit less next time? And yeah, cream can be overwhelming sometimes.