Name: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (diced); 1 package gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; salt and pepper (to taste)

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If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Spinach is your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach swim in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any day of the week. Perfect for anyone looking to indulge in creamy comfort food without the fuss.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Spinach brings together the best of hearty textures and fresh ingredients, making it a standout meal for several reasons:

Effortless Comfort: Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Everything cooks in one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
Balanced and Satisfying: With protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and comforting gnocchi, this bake hits all the right notes.
Customizable: It’s a versatile base recipe that you can tweak to your taste—add mushrooms, swap cheeses, or throw in your favorite herbs.
Family Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Meal Prep Winner: It reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners, keeping its creamy texture intact.

If you love dishes like Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Bake, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your rotation.

What’s in the Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy bake:

1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender, juicy, and a great protein base.
1 package gnocchi: Soft, pillow-like pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, luscious sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give a gooey, cheesy topping.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and essential for flavor depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season and bring everything together.

Before You Start: Equipment

Gathering the right tools makes this recipe a breeze:

Large skillet or frying pan: To cook the chicken and garlic.
Large pot: For boiling the gnocchi.
Baking dish (9×13 inch works great): To assemble and bake the dish.
Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your ratios perfect.
Oven mitts: Safety first when handling the hot baking dish.

Build Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Spinach Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions—usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (wipe out any excess cooked bits if needed), add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken, gnocchi, and fresh spinach to the cream sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and all components are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake cool for a few minutes to set, then scoop generous portions onto plates. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

For a spin on this recipe, try the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Penne, which brings a similar creamy vibe with a twist of artichokes and penne pasta.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a coconut milk alternative to reduce fat content.
Use whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi to boost fiber and nutrients.
Increase the spinach or add other greens like kale to pack in more vitamins.
Reduce cheese quantity slightly or opt for part-skim mozzarella.
Use skinless chicken breast to keep the protein lean and healthy.

Little Things that Matter

The quality of your ingredients makes a huge difference in this dish. Fresh garlic and good mozzarella can elevate the flavors beautifully. Don’t rush the sauce—letting the cheese melt fully into the cream creates that luxurious texture that makes every bite so satisfying. Also, don’t forget to season as you go; a little salt and pepper at each step layers the flavors perfectly.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they should remain tender and pillowy.

How to Store & Reheat

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.

If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
For meal prep, keep the bake in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish to avoid a watery sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese substitutes to keep it creamy and delicious.

Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the bake in the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to dice the chicken evenly?

Use a sharp knife and cut the chicken into uniform pieces about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.

Try These Next

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Bake – Another creamy and cheesy gnocchi dish with a rich Tuscan twist.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Penne – A delightful pasta bake featuring spinach and artichokes in a luscious sauce.

The Takeaway

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bake with Spinach is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish is sure to satisfy those comfort food cravings and become a reliable go-to in your recipe collection.

Give it a try tonight and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in every bite!

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