Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich creamy sauce infused with herbs and spinach, all baked to bubbly perfection with Parmesan cheese on top.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut in half
- 2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the potato gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil, tossing to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 7-8 minutes until golden. Flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 150°F. Remove from skillet.
- Sauté Onions and Herbs: In the same skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, basil, oregano, and thyme, cooking for 1 more minute. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until the flour is translucent.
- Add Broth and Thicken: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until melted. Add baby spinach and sauté on low heat until wilted.
- Combine and Bake: Gently toss gnocchi in the sauce, then nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes, fresh basil, mushrooms, or Italian seasoning. Garnish with smoked paprika if desired.
- Substitute mozzarella with fontina, gruyere, or smoked mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- Nutrition values are estimates based on 4 servings and common ingredient brands.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
