Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bowl

Creamy chicken gnocchi with cream cheese is the kind of soul-soothing meal I turn to after a long workday when everyone’s craving something both quick and cozy. The way those pillowy gnocchi soak up the rich sauce and tender chicken makes it a dish people always ask for seconds of.

I first made this when my best friend visited for dinner and since then it has become our girls-night staple because nobody wants to fuss in the kitchen all evening

Ingredients

• Olive oil: gives a flavorful start to sautéing and helps the butter not burn look for extra virgin for best aroma
• Unsalted butter: brings silkiness to the base European-style butter adds extra richness
• Chicken breast: is lean and hearty cut it into even chunks for fast cooking
• Garlic cloves: lend that irresistible aroma go for plump cloves for sweeter flavor
• Dry white wine: adds brightness just use something you’d enjoy drinking even if just a splash
• Italian seasoning mix: gives instant herby warmth look for a blend with real rosemary and oregano
• Chicken stock: builds savory depth choose a good quality low sodium broth so you control the seasoning
• Cream cheese: creates the signature creamy sauce choose full-fat for extra smoothness
• Gnocchi: are soft and pillowy use fresh or vacuum-packed and check they’re firm not dense when pressing the package
• Baby spinach: adds color and gentle bitterness pick leaves that are crisp and deep green
• Grated Parmesan: rounds everything out with a salty savory kick Parmigiano Reggiano makes a big difference
• Freshly ground black pepper: finishes with a burst of aroma use coarsely cracked pepper for visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm the Pan:

Heat olive oil in a large deep pan then add butter letting it melt fully and start to foam to anchor the flavors

Brown the Chicken:

Add diced chicken breast and spread it out let it cook over medium heat for four to five minutes stirring so pieces develop golden edges which gives richness to the sauce

Sauté the Garlic:

Add minced garlic to the pan stir for one minute so it becomes very fragrant without burning the aroma sets the stage

Deglaze with Wine:

Pour in dry white wine watch it sizzle and scrape the pan any browned bits dissolve and flavor the sauce cook just one or two minutes so the alcohol cooks off

Simmer with Broth and Seasonings:

Add Italian seasoning and chicken stock bring it all to a gentle simmer bubbling means the chicken absorbs flavors

Melt the Cream Cheese:

Add cream cheese into the pan break it apart with your spoon keep stirring until it fully melts and you get a smooth lush sauce

Cook the Gnocchi and Spinach:

Add gnocchi and shredded baby spinach then cover with a lid let it simmer for three to five minutes until the gnocchi are soft and the spinach wilts

Add the Cheese and Season:

Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan taste then add freshly ground black pepper and salt if needed

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The baby spinach is my personal favorite because it melts down and gives a lively green taste that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy On my daughter’s birthday she begged for double spinach just so she could pick it out first

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce Gnocchi tends to soak up moisture in the fridge but revives with a little extra liquid when reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in boneless chicken thighs if you like a juicier texture For dairy free use plant based cream cheese and skip the Parmesan You can use kale instead of spinach just chop it finer so it cooks down in the same amount of time

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm crusty bread or a light green salad Some nights I add a handful of peas or toss in roasted broccoli for color and crunch Those little touches make it a meal that feels special even on an ordinary weeknight

Cultural Context

Gnocchi has roots in Italian home kitchens known for transforming simple ingredients into comfort food classics My grandfather always said a good creamy gnocchi is all about balancing richness with freshness so I never skip the hit of spinach or fresh pepper at the end

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of chicken works best for this dish?

Diced chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking and tender bites. Thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.

→ Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi brings a delicate texture, but store-bought works perfectly for convenience.

→ Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

→ Does white wine have to be included?

No, you can omit the wine or replace it with extra chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.

→ What greens can I use if I don't have spinach?

Try kale, arugula, or Swiss chard—just chop finely and add during the final cooking step.