Save This creamy Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet brings together golden chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan-rich sauce all in one pan. It is both impressive enough for a date night and simple enough for a cozy dinner at home. Every time I make it, I get recipe requests before the plates are even cleared.
When I first made this for friends, nobody could believe how quickly it came together. Now it is what I reach for on busy weeks and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Choose plump, even pieces for juiciness and easy slicing
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavor
- Paprika: Adds a warm color and subtle earthy note
- Olive oil: Go for extra virgin for best flavor
- Potato gnocchi: Look for shelf-stable or fresh in the refrigerated section Pick gnocchi with minimal ingredients for pillowy texture
- Unsalted butter: Makes the sauce silky and brings out flavor in the garlic
- Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver the most fragrant punch
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Pick those packed in oil for tender texture and tangy depth
- Dried Italian herbs: This blend gives instant Mediterranean aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat that balances richness
- Chicken broth: Adds savory backbone Choose low-sodium for more control
- Heavy cream: Delivers the signature luscious consistency Use well-chilled cream for easier mixing
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grate for best melting and nutty flavor
- Baby spinach: Adds a bright pop of green without bitterness
- Fresh basil: For garnish Seek out bunches with deep green leaves
- Extra Parmesan: To finish with a little salty sparkle on top
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and sprinkle each side fully with salt, pepper, and paprika This ensures the fillets brown evenly and flavor soaks in
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large deep skillet Place chicken in the pan and do not move it for three minutes Flip once and cook until the other side is golden and the thickest part is cooked through Remove and set aside covered
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add butter to the same skillet Lower heat to medium Once melted add the minced garlic Stir constantly for about thirty seconds until you smell its aroma but before it browns
- Build Flavor with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Herbs:
- Toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes Italian herbs and if using red pepper flakes Sauté gently for one minute This releases the oil in the tomatoes and creates a flavorful base
- Deglaze and Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet Bring to a gentle simmer This step infuses the sauce with all that pan flavor
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add gnocchi to the skillet Stir once to coat and cover Cook three to four minutes until they puff and turn soft The broth will reduce slightly
- Make it Creamy:
- Turn the heat to low Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and cheese fully melts
- Add Spinach and Season:
- Fold in the spinach gently It should wilt within a minute Taste and add extra salt or pepper as needed
- Return Chicken to Sauce:
- Nestle the cooked chicken pieces into the creamy skillet Spoon sauce all around Simmer gently for two minutes to rewarm the chicken
- Finish and Serve:
- Scatter with fresh basil and sprinkle with extra Parmesan Bring the bubbling skillet straight to the table for a showstopping moment
Save I absolutely love using sun-dried tomatoes here They are tangy and pop with flavor in every bite Sometimes I save a few to scatter on top just for the color I remember my sister calling me after making this for her anniversary and saying her husband was swooning by the second forkful
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to an airtight container This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream which revives the sauce to its original silkiness For longer storage freeze in individual portions but do expect the gnocchi to soften a bit upon thawing
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in chicken thighs for a richer bite or thin-sliced pork tenderloin for a delicious twist If you need a dairy free version try a full fat oat or cashew cream and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast No sun-dried tomatoes Use roasted red peppers for a milder but still vibrant flavor
Serving Suggestions
Goes perfectly with garlic bread or grilled asparagus for a balanced plate For a crunch serve with a green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette Sometimes I scatter pine nuts over for a nutty finish
Save This skillet dinner is weeknight-fast yet perfect for celebrations Bring it bubbling straight to the table for an irresistible finish
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs offer more flavor and remain juicy; just adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How do I keep gnocchi from becoming mushy?
Add gnocchi after the sauce simmers and cook just until tender for a perfect texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free potato gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as desired.
- → Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it may be slightly less creamy.
- → What kind of wine pairs well with this skillet?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or light-bodied Chardonnay complements the creamy, savory flavors beautifully.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
Deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding broth deepens the sauce’s taste.