A one pot chicken and gnocchi dish is the kind of cozy winter meal that feels like a warm blanket on a cold night, rich, creamy, and deeply comforting without demanding much time in the kitchen. It starts with tender pieces of chicken that simmer gently in a fragrant base of garlic, onions, and herbs. As the flavors develop, the mixture becomes infused with the aromas of thyme and a hint of sage, creating the classic winter profile that makes this dish so satisfying. When the broth thickens and the chicken becomes fall apart tender, the gnocchi go in, soaking up every bit of that savory goodness. They turn pillowy and soft, almost like little dumplings floating in a luxurious sauce.
Vegetables give the dish balance and depth. Carrots add sweetness, while spinach or kale provides an earthy freshness that cuts through the richness. A splash of cream brings everything together at the end, turning the broth into a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of gnocchi. The result is hearty but harmonious, rustic but polished, and perfect for a quiet dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. As it simmers, the house fills with a warming aroma that signals winter cooking at its best. The flavors meld effortlessly, and the texture becomes irresistibly creamy. Paired with a simple side salad or a piece of crusty bread, it becomes a full and complete plate, but it is equally lovely on its own.
For pairings, reach for a bright white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which cuts through the creaminess while highlighting the herbal notes. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works beautifully with the chicken and adds a gentle fruitiness that complements the gnocchi. For food pairings, hashed Brussels sprouts or garlic roasted broccoli bring contrast and add a touch of crispness to the meal. A citrus forward winter salad with oranges or grapefruit is another great match, adding freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package gnocchi store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup spinach fresh or frozen
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in gnocchi and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Pour in heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and let the gnocchi cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Y’all sure this is healthy? Heavy cream and all that? Not my kinda dish.
YUM!!! 💖
One pot? More like one mess! 😂 But the taste was worth it!
I dunno, it was good but not as great as I expected. Maybe I used the wrong kind of gnocchi?
This is a winner! Easy to make and cleanup was a breeze. Will make it again!
I agree! This dish was super easy and came out so good. I love one-pot meals!
This dish was amazing! So creamy and comforting. My family loved it!
I forgot to buy spinach, so I used kale instead. Still turned out good, but not sure if it has the same vibe.