Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quickly this dish comes together while still tasting like something from a cozy Italian bistro. The nutty Asiago melts into a velvety sauce, the gnocchi soak up every drop, and the chicken turns juicy and flavorful. It’s hearty enough for chilly nights yet simple enough for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Olive oil
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Italian seasoning
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Dry white wine (or chicken broth)
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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Potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
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Freshly grated Asiago cheese
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Baby spinach (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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In a deep skillet, I heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken on all sides—about 5 minutes. I remove it to a plate.
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In the same pan, I sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, then deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits. I simmer until the wine reduces by half.
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I pour in chicken broth and cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and stir in the gnocchi. I cook uncovered for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi start to soften.
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I return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan and simmer 2–3 more minutes, until the gnocchi are tender.
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I reduce the heat to low, stir in the Asiago until melted and creamy, then fold in spinach just until it wilts. I adjust salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 generous bowls. I spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking, so dinner is ready in around 30 minutes.
Variations
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I swap Asiago for Parmesan or Pecorino Romano when I want a sharper bite.
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For extra veggies, I add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic.
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A pinch of crushed red-pepper flakes gives gentle heat, while lemon zest brightens the sauce.
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When I’m dairy-light, I use evaporated milk and an extra tablespoon of cheese to keep the sauce creamy.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or milk and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway so the sauce stays silky.
FAQs
How do I keep the sauce from turning grainy?
I melt the Asiago over low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is in—gentle heat keeps it smooth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—I use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure my broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Will pre-shredded cheese work?
I prefer freshly grated Asiago; it melts better and delivers richer flavor without additives.
Can I skip the wine?
Absolutely—I substitute an equal amount of chicken broth and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Does this freeze well?
Cream sauces can separate after freezing, so I enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Conclusion
This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi blends creamy comfort with Italian flair in one skillet. It’s quick, indulgent, and impressively flavorful—a recipe I reach for whenever I crave a cozy bowl of cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
Print
Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
One-pan creamy Asiago chicken with tender gnocchi and garlic sauce—easy Italian-style comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce & Gnocchi
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine or extra chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
16 oz (450 g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Asiago cheese
2 cups baby spinach, loosely packed (optional)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Season & Sear Chicken – Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high; brown chicken ≈ 5 min, stirring for even color. Transfer to a plate.
Deglaze – Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; sauté 30 sec until fragrant. Pour in wine; scrape up browned bits and simmer 1–2 min until reduced by half.
Simmer Gnocchi – Stir in broth and cream; bring to a gentle simmer. Add gnocchi; cook uncovered 4–5 min, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
Finish Chicken & Sauce – Return chicken (plus juices) to skillet; simmer 2–3 min until gnocchi are tender and chicken is cooked through.
Melt Asiago & Serve – Lower heat to low. Stir in Asiago until smooth and creamy; fold in spinach until just wilted. Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Cheese swap: Parmesan or Pecorino Romano give a sharper bite.
Veggie add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes go in with garlic.
Heat / Brightness: A pinch of red-pepper flakes or a hit of lemon zest perks up the sauce.
Lighter cream: Use evaporated milk plus an extra tablespoon of cheese for richness.
Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce silky.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American