One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi

This easy one-pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi is an ideal weeknight dinner: pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken simmered in a creamy sun‑dried tomato and parmesan sauce, ready in about 20 minutes.

This comforting, restaurant‑style skillet delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Soft potato gnocchi soaks up the creamy tomato and parmesan sauce while shredded chicken adds protein and spinach adds color and nutrition. Because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is quick and leftovers taste even better once the flavors meld. It’s a great go-to for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Fast and easy: Ready in roughly 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Rich and creamy: A luscious sauce of half‑and‑half and parmesan with sun‑dried tomatoes and garlic.
• One‑pan cooking: Gnocchi cooks in the sauce—no separate boiling required and fewer dishes.
• Flexible: Swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or use alternative gnocchi for dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 Tbsp oil from the sun‑dried tomato jar (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)
• 12 oz gnocchi
• 1 cup low‑sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half‑and‑half (or heavy cream)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

How to Make Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi

1. 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.
2. Cook the gnocchi in the sauce. Add the uncooked gnocchi (separate any pieces that are stuck together). Pour in the chicken broth and half‑and‑half, season with salt and black pepper, then cover and simmer on medium for about 5 minutes, until the gnocchi is cooked through and tender.
3. Add chicken and greens. Uncover and stir in the shredded chicken and spinach leaves. Cook another 3–5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
4. Finish with cheese and basil. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, fold in the sliced basil, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground beef instead of shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped hot peppers to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Swap chicken broth for a splash of dry white wine for added depth—let it reduce briefly before adding the cream.
• Replace baby spinach with kale or other leafy greens; add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for variation.
• Substitute gnocchi with orzo or a short pasta—cook according to package directions and adjust liquid as needed.
• Incorporate extra vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or shallots for more texture and nutrition.
• For a dairy‑free option, use full‑fat canned coconut milk instead of half‑and‑half; cream cheese also works to thicken the sauce.

How to Serve

• A crisp salad: A simple green salad or lemony arugula balances the richness of the sauce.
• Crusty bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans or zucchini make a bright, healthy side.

Prepping and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Gnocchi tends to absorb sauce as it sits, so the dish may thicken overnight—when reheating, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. This recipe reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Serving size: about 1/4 of the recipe

• Calories: 393 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Protein: 12.6 g
• Fat: 10.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Sodium: 759 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4.5 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Final Notes

This One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi is a fast, flavorful recipe that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Using rotisserie chicken keeps the prep time minimal without sacrificing taste. Adjust herbs, spice, and vegetables to make it your own—this versatile skillet is a weeknight winner that impresses family and guests alike.