One-Pan Gnocchi and Chicken Recipe: “Will You Marry Me?” Style

This SIMPLE One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi is an ideal weeknight dinner! Soft, pillowy gnocchi and succulent chicken cooked together in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce in only 20 minutes!

Your entire family will adore this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi. The most delectable one-pan meal featuring soft gnocchi and juicy chicken simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. The greatest aspect of this dish is that the gnocchi absorbs all that fantastic flavor, making leftovers even tastier the next day! A comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking for something quick yet of restaurant quality!

Why You’ll Adore this Recipe

• Fast and simple – everything cooks together in one skillet in less than 20 minutes for a delicious, flavorful weeknight meal.
• Decadent and creamy – fluffy potato gnocchi and tender chicken all cooked together in a creamy sauce brimming with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• All in one skillet – the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, eliminating the need to boil it separately. Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup!
• Customizable – change the protein, add more veggies, or exchange the gnocchi for pasta or cauliflower gnocchi to effortlessly tailor this meal to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Require

• gnocchi – the highlight of this dish! Gluten-free gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s can also be used.
• chicken – I prefer using shredded rotisserie chicken for its speed and flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will suffice, including leftovers.
• sun-dried tomatoes – you can use dry-packed or oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes from a jar.
• olive oil – using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes enhances flavor, but any olive oil or even butter will work.
• chicken broth – used as the sauce base for the gnocchi to simmer in, adding lots of flavor. Vegetable broth or chicken stock can also be used.
• half and half – contributes creaminess to the sauce. Full-fat coconut milk can be a lighter substitute, or you can use heavy cream if that’s available.
• garlic – fresh chopped garlic or minced garlic from a jar can be used.
• spinach – offers a boost of nutrition and a splash of color.
• cheese – shredded cheese enhances the creaminess and flavor! I used freshly grated parmesan, though other options like shredded Asiago, pecorino romano, or gruyere would also work.
• fresh basil – adds more flavor that nicely complements the chicken gnocchi. Fresh thyme or oregano would also be delicious.
• salt + pepper – to season and enhance flavor. Red pepper flakes can be included for a spicy kick.

How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

1. Warm up the skillet. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil (I prefer the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes!) and sauté sun-dried tomatoes and 4 cloves of garlic until fragrant, around 2-3 minutes.
2. Cook the gnocchi. Introduce uncooked gnocchi, separating any that may be stuck together, then incorporate chicken broth, half and half, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook at medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and fluffy.
3. Add chicken and spinach. Remove the cover and stir in the shredded chicken and spinach leaves with the tomato cream sauce, cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
4. Incorporate cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cook until melted. Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and savor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of chicken, try ground Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or chopped peppers.
• Substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for another layer of flavor. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass!
• This recipe features fresh baby spinach, but kale or other leafy greens or fresh herbs can be used as well.
• Feel free to swap the gnocchi for orzo or any other type of pasta you prefer, ensuring you follow the specific package instructions.
• Include more veggies such as chopped broccoli, asparagus, peppers, onion, or shallots.
• To create a lighter sauce (and make it dairy-free), replace half and half with full-fat canned coconut milk. Cream cheese can also make this creamy.

Serving Suggestions

• With a salad – a crisp salad pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce in this dish. Consider serving with a lemon arugula salad or a healthy Caesar salad.
• Crusty bread – serve with garlic bread, rustic Italian bread, focaccia, or breadsticks to soak up all that delightful sauce!
• Roasted vegetables – enhance your meal’s nutrition by serving with a side of your favorite vegetables. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and zucchini are excellent choices.

Preparation and Storage

Store leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Note that the gnocchi will absorb much of the sauce overnight in the fridge, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh. You can add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.

More One Pan Recipes

Hope you all appreciate this Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi! If you cherish this as much as we do, kindly leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!