Here’s a full recipe for Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Gnocchi—rich, comforting, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and bright broccoli all coated in a luscious creamy sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1 lb (450 g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil
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Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Gnocchi
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook gnocchi according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes until they float).
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Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
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Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
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In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
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Add broccoli and sauté another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine Everything
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Return chicken to the skillet.
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Add cooked gnocchi and toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce.
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Cook 1–2 minutes more until everything is heated through.
6. Serve
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Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
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Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
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For extra flavor, sear the gnocchi lightly in the pan after boiling to give them a golden crust.
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Frozen broccoli works fine—just add a minute or two more to cook.
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You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan shortcut version where you cook gnocchi directly in the sauce—super fast and minimal cleanup.