When I first made Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi Recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple and delicious it was. Everything I love about comfort food came together in one pan! The tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy, cheesy sauce, paired with hints of herbs and bacon, made every bite unforgettable.

I’ll never forget the aroma that filled my kitchen—with just one smell, I knew I had something special cooking. The best part? It’s fancy enough to wow guests but easy enough to make on a busy weekday.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, flavorful ingredients come together in this recipe. Here’s what you need to gather:

For the Chicken:

6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (choose boneless for easier cooking and tender, juicy bites)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (helps create a crispy coating that soaks in the sauce)
½ teaspoon paprika (adds smoky sweetness)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (brightens up the chicken flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is essential for balanced flavor)

For the Dish:

4 slices thick-cut bacon (brings smoky, crispy texture and flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (earthy and aromatic)
3 tablespoons salted butter (a rich base for the sauce)
2 shallots, chopped (sweet and mild onion flavor)
6 cloves garlic, minced (essential for depth)
1 cup dry white wine (adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce)
½ cup chicken broth (helps balance the richness of the cream)
½–1 cup heavy cream (key to a luscious, velvety sauce)
2 cups chopped kale (adds freshness and nutrients)
1 pound potato gnocchi (pillowy soft and perfect for soaking up sauce)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (savory, nutty cheesiness to finish the dish)

Note: This recipe makes about 4 portions. Double everything for a larger group or leftovers for later!

Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own with these ideas:

Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a delicious meat-free version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour alternative for the coating.
Boost Veggies: Try adding spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes into the sauce.
Cheese Experiment: Pecorino Romano or gruyère cheese can replace parmesan for a different cheesy edge.

Cooking Timeline

This recipe is a breeze! Here’s how much time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Tools to Make Cooking Effortless

Prepare these tools before you start for a seamless cooking experience:

Large Skillet: Essential for cooking the entire dish in one pan.
Mixing Bowl: To season and coat the chicken.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
Tongs: For turning your chicken perfectly without disrupting the coating.

How to Make Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi?

This recipe comes together in simple, flavorful steps. Follow along to create a one-pan masterpiece!

Step 1. Season and Coat the Chicken

Combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Coat each piece in the flour mixture for a light, crispy layer that will lock in the sauce’s flavors.

Step 2. Cook the Bacon

Heat your skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Sprinkle in the rosemary during the last minute for a boost of earthy flavor. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 3. Sear the Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear on each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. You don’t need to fully cook it here since it will finish in the oven. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 4. Build the Creamy Sauce

Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, then sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with white wine and chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Stir in heavy cream for a rich and velvety finish.

Step 5. Add Kale and Gnocchi

Stir chopped kale and gnocchi into the sauce. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and floating. The kale balances the richness with its fresh, slightly bitter flavor.

Step 6. Finish in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese generously over the top and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 7. Garnish and Serve

Crush the crispy bacon on top, then finish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of rosemary. Serve hot and savor every creamy, savory bite!

Personal Tips to Make It Even Better

From my kitchen to yours, here’s how to guarantee a winning dish every time:

Don’t Skip the Bacon Renderings: The bacon fat left in the skillet adds fantastic depth to both the chicken and sauce.
Fully Coat the Chicken: Don’t skimp on the flour mixture! This layer helps give you that irresistible texture.
Taste as You Go: Always adjust seasoning in the sauce as it simmers. It’s the key to a perfectly balanced dish.
Go Fresh: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. It makes a remarkable difference in the flavor!

How to Serve Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi?

Presentation makes all the difference when serving this dish!

Plate Like a Chef: Spoon gnocchi and sauce onto a plate and place the chicken on top. Add bacon crumbles and parmesan for a professional finish.
Pair it Wisely: A crisp arugula salad or crusty garlic bread complements the richness perfectly.
Wine Pairing: A chilled sauvignon blanc or buttery chardonnay brings out the creamy, herby notes beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at what’s in this satisfying dish per serving:

Calories: 515
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 25g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is easy to prep or save for later.

Make Ahead

You can season and coat the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. The sauce can also be prepped and refrigerated for 2 days.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

This Skillet Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The flavors are rich and satisfying, and it all comes together effortlessly in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for the family or pulling out all the stops for guests, you’ll fall in love with every creamy bite!