Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi

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One-Pan Comfort Food Perfection – Rich, Creamy, and Bursting with Flavor

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of creamy, warm gnocchi — pillowy soft, rich in flavor, and full of cozy textures. Add in tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and a luxurious cream sauce, and you’ve got a dinner that’s indulgent yet wholesome, quick yet impressive, and incredibly easy to pull together in a single pan.

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi recipe is the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something special. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights but satisfying enough to serve when you’re hosting friends or simply craving a restaurant-style dish at home.

In this article, you’ll find:

  • A detailed list of ingredients (U.S. measurements)

  • Step-by-step instructions broken down into stages

  • Cooking and prep time

  • Nutritional estimate per serving

  • Handy tips for substitutions and storage

  • A complete how-to guide to make it foolproof

Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy comfort food classic.

 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi

  • One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

  • Ready in 25 minutes: No long cooking times or advanced skills needed.

  • Wholesome ingredients: Lean protein, fresh broccoli, and comforting gnocchi.

  • Adaptable for dietary needs: Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free.

  • Family-friendly: A big hit with adults and kids alike.

 Ingredients (Serves 4) – U.S. Cup Measurements

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Feel free to swap items based on your preferences or dietary needs:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1.5–2 lbs total)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely minced

  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets (roughly 3 cups)

  • ½ cup chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)

  • ¾ cup heavy cream (or use full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free)

  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 pound (16 oz) potato gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional but highly recommended)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking

Optional:

  • A pinch of chili flakes for heat

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

 Preparation Time & Caloric Information

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Calories: ~540 kcal per serving

Note: Calorie count includes Parmesan and assumes full-fat cream. Adjust accordingly based on ingredients used.

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Stage 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat your chicken breasts dry and cube them into bite-sized pieces.

  • In a large frying pan or skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

  • Add chicken cubes and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  • Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

 Stage 2: Cook Aromatics

  • In the same pan (don’t clean it; those bits are flavor!), reduce heat to medium.

  • Add a touch more oil if needed.

  • Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.

  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.

 Stage 3: Add Broccoli & Sauce Base

  • Toss in broccoli florets and sauté for 1–2 minutes. This gives them a head start in cooking.

  • Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream.

  • Stir well and let the mixture gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until broccoli starts to soften but remains bright green.

 Stage 4: Simmer with Chicken

  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

  • Simmer everything together for another 7–10 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken into a sauce and the broccoli to become fork-tender.

  • Stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the dish.

  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

 Stage 5: Finish with Gnocchi

  • Stir in the cooked gnocchi (boiled separately according to the package instructions).

  • Gently toss everything together so the gnocchi is coated in the creamy sauce.

  • Let it sit for a minute so the gnocchi absorbs some of the flavor.

  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

 How to Prepare Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi – A Closer Look

Let’s break it down even further:

Step 1: Perfectly Searing the Chicken

The key to rich flavor in this recipe starts with properly browning the chicken. You want golden edges, not pale boiled pieces. Make sure your pan is hot and avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary.

Step 2: Building the Flavor

Onions and garlic are the base of countless great recipes. Sauté them just enough to soften and sweeten, then use the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind from searing the chicken.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Cream

Heavy cream yields the most luxurious result, but you can substitute:

  • Half & half for a lighter version

  • Coconut cream for dairy-free (though it adds a subtle coconut note)

  • Cashew cream for a rich vegan substitute

Step 4: Cooking Gnocchi

Most gnocchi cook in under 3 minutes once they float to the top of boiling water. Overcooking makes them gummy. Drain them well and add just before serving to maintain texture.

Step 5: Making It Your Own

This dish is highly versatile — read on for tips to customize it further!

 Expert Tips for the Best Gnocchi Dish Ever

1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi

Boil until they float, then remove immediately. Overcooked gnocchi can fall apart when tossed into sauce.

2. Cream Not Thick Enough?

If your sauce feels thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. The starch from the gnocchi also helps thicken it once combined.

3. Brighten It Up

A tablespoon of lemon juice does wonders in lifting the creaminess so it doesn’t feel too heavy.

4. Get That Golden Chicken

Let the chicken brown undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. Don’t keep flipping — let the heat do its magic.

5. Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

 Variations to Try

Make it your own with these fun twists:

  • Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the cream base.

  • Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms after the onions for an earthy flavor.

  • Cheese Lover’s Dream: Stir in shredded mozzarella or gouda for extra meltiness.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for white beans, tofu, or tempeh.

  • Extra Greens: Add baby spinach or kale in the final 5 minutes.

 What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

While it’s a full meal in itself, here are some great side ideas:

  • Garlic bread or a crusty baguette

  • Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

  • Roasted veggies like carrots or asparagus

  • Chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

 Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi is the kind of comfort food we crave all year round. It’s cozy without being heavy, luxurious without being fussy, and nourishing without being boring. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing a dinner guest, this dish delivers every single time.

With only one pan, minimal ingredients, and major flavor, this recipe proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.

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