If you’re searching for a hearty, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner that feels gourmet but comes together quickly, this Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate one-pan solution. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a luxurious cream sauce, rich with melted Asiago cheese, tender potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach. It’s a dish that brings comfort and elegance to the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or planning a cozy dinner date at home, this dish is a winner every time. Let’s dive into what makes this creamy gnocchi recipe so special, plus get tips on prep, substitutions, variations, and even wine pairings to elevate your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, from the chicken to the gnocchi and sauce. Easy to make and even easier to clean up!
- 30-minute meal: From prep to plate, it takes less than 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamy, cheesy goodness: Asiago cheese adds a nutty richness to the velvety sauce, balanced by baby spinach for freshness.
- Customizable: Make it spicy, vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb with a few simple swaps.
- Family-friendly comfort food: Kids love the pillowy gnocchi and mild cheese sauce, while adults appreciate the depth of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Shallot: Milder than onions, shallots bring a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic intensity.
- Flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
- Half-and-half: Adds creamy texture without being overly heavy.
- Potato gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, absorbing flavor.
- Baby spinach: Adds nutrition, color, and contrast to the creamy elements.
- Asiago cheese: The star of the show—bold, nutty, and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
This is a true 30-minute dinner that feels like a special-occasion dish. Follow the steps below for perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add diced shallot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics and whisk for 1 minute to form a golden paste.
- Build the sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to smooth out lumps and lift browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add half-and-half and gnocchi: Stir in the half-and-half and uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender.
- Incorporate spinach and cheese: Add baby spinach and Asiago cheese. Stir gently until spinach wilts and cheese is melted into the sauce (2-3 minutes).
- Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the gnocchi mixture. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Pound the chicken: Ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Deglaze the skillet: Those browned bits at the bottom add major flavor to your sauce—don’t skip the deglazing step!
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks fast—remove from heat as soon as it’s tender to avoid mushiness.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Make It Your Own
- Protein swap: Try boneless chicken thighs, cooked shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage.
- Cheese variations: Parmesan, Fontina, or Gruyère make great substitutes for Asiago.
- Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers add texture and flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use veggie broth. Add more spinach or white beans for protein.
- Low-carb option: Use cauliflower gnocchi or spiralized zucchini (zoodles) for a lighter version.
What to Serve with Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can round it out with simple sides for a well-balanced meal.
- Garlic bread or focaccia: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Green salad: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the creamy texture.
- White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Can I Make This Ahead?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately, then combine and heat when ready to serve. However, gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh—overcooking or reheating too often can make it mushy.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate and gnocchi texture will suffer.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it beforehand. Frozen gnocchi may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
What is Asiago cheese?
Asiago is a cow’s milk cheese from Italy. It has a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully, making it ideal for creamy sauces.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich. For an ultra-luxurious version, substitute with heavy cream.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to the flour and regular gnocchi. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free gnocchi.
Nutrition Information
This dish is indulgent but provides protein, fiber, and calcium in each serving. Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 704 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Pinterest-Worthy Serving Suggestions
If you’re sharing your meal on Instagram or Pinterest, here are a few styling ideas to make your Asiago Chicken Gnocchi photo-ready:
- Top with extra cheese shavings and cracked black pepper.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of parsley for color contrast.
- Use a white or rustic ceramic bowl to make the sauce and chicken stand out.
- Slice the chicken before serving to reveal juicy, tender centers.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Meets Elegant Flavor
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is one of those unicorn recipes—fast enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests. It delivers bold, cheesy flavor in a creamy, soul-warming sauce balanced with fresh greens and hearty gnocchi. And since it all comes together in one pan, you’ll have more time to enjoy dinner instead of cleaning up afterward.
Serve it with a simple green salad, a glass of wine, and prepare to get rave reviews from everyone at the table. This recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your comfort food rotation.
Don’t Forget to Save This Recipe!
Pin this recipe to your Dinner Ideas or Comfort Food board on Pinterest so you can make it again later. It’s the perfect combination of cozy, cheesy, and satisfying—definitely a keeper!
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