This EASY One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi is the perfect weeknight meal! Pillowy potato gnocchi and tender chicken simmer together in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce in just 20 minutes.
Your family will love this comforting, restaurant-style One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi. Soft gnocchi soaks up the rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce while juicy shredded chicken adds hearty protein. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less prep, fewer dishes and a flavorful meal on the table in about 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and simple – ready in about 20 minutes with straightforward steps that are perfect for weeknights.
- Creamy and comforting – a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan coats gnocchi and chicken for maximum flavor.
- One pan – the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, eliminating the need to boil separately and cutting down on cleanup.
- Flexible – easy to swap proteins, add vegetables, or substitute different gnocchi or pasta to suit your diet and pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 Tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry; rehydrate if needed)
- 1 Tbsp garlic, minced (about 3–4 cloves)
- 12 oz potato gnocchi (fresh or refrigerated; gluten-free or cauliflower gnocchi may be substituted)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream; coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves (or kale, Swiss chard)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or Asiago, pecorino romano)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (or other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi
- Heat the skillet. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes boosts flavor.
- Cook the gnocchi in the sauce. Add the uncooked gnocchi, breaking apart any clumps. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium heat about 5 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and fluffy and have absorbed flavor from the sauce.
- Add the chicken and greens. Uncover and stir in the shredded chicken and spinach. Cook another 3–5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with cheese and herbs. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, then serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground Italian sausage, ground chicken or ground beef instead of shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced hot peppers to introduce heat.
- Swap chicken broth for a splash of dry white wine for extra depth—allow wine to reduce before adding cream.
- Replace baby spinach with kale or other hearty greens; add fresh herbs at the end for brightness.
- Substitute gnocchi with orzo, short pasta or a store-bought cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option (adjust cooking time per package).
- Boost vegetables by stirring in roasted broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or sautéed shallots.
- For a lighter or dairy-free sauce, use full-fat canned coconut milk in place of half-and-half. A small amount of cream cheese can also add creaminess.
How to Serve
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Offer crusty bread, garlic bread or focaccia to soak up extra sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
Prepping and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Gnocchi absorbs sauce as it cools, so the dish is best eaten fresh. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat or in the microwave.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Serving size: about 1 1/4 cups • Calories: 393 kcal • Carbohydrates: 54 g • Protein: 12.6 g • Fat: 10.5 g • Saturated Fat: 3.7 g • Sodium: 758.7 mg • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 4.5 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
More One Pan Recipe Ideas
- Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
- Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet
- Asian Ground Turkey and Green Bean Stir Fry
- One Skillet Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
- One Pan Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Hope you enjoy this Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi! If you make it, leave a rating or comment and tag your photos on social media using #eatyourselfskinny.