One Pan Creamy Chicken: 30-Minute Comfort Food

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

One Pan Creamy Chicken is a delightful answer to my weeknight dinner dilemmas. This quick and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce all cooked in one skillet. Imagine savoring a comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, filling your home with enticing aromas. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Chicken

There’s so much to love about this easy creamy chicken dish. First, it’s a simple one pan chicken meal, which means less clean-up! Second, it’s versatile, making it perfect for a one skillet creamy chicken dinner any night of the week. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or swapping out proteins. Plus, it’s comforting and creamy, satisfying your cravings without being overly heavy. This dish is gluten-free, so it’s a healthy one pan creamy chicken option for those on special diets. You’ll find that it’s a quick creamy chicken skillet recipe that will leave your family asking for seconds!

Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Chicken

Gather these items:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

How to Make One Pan Creamy Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until they start to soften.
Step 4: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Stir in the gnocchi and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

One Pan Creamy Chicken: 30-Minute Comfort Food - One Pan Creamy Chicken - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pan Creamy Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
For an extra creamy sauce, let it simmer a little longer.
Experiment with different vegetables for added nutrition, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Make sure to stir gently when adding the gnocchi to avoid breaking them apart.
This is a stovetop method, so keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the cream.

Best Ways to Serve One Pan Creamy Chicken

Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve over creamy chicken pasta in one pan for a hearty meal.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
Offer crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store and Reheat One Pan Creamy Chicken

To store leftovers, transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This makes for a perfect quick creamy chicken skillet meal for lunch!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Creamy Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect One Pan Creamy Chicken?

The secret lies in not overcooking the chicken and allowing the sauce to simmer just right. This ensures a flavorful, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and gnocchi.

Can I make One Pan Creamy Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook the dish when you’re ready. Just keep the cooked chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pan Creamy Chicken?

Make sure to season the chicken well and don’t skip the simmering step. This helps the flavors meld together, creating that rich, creamy sauce everyone loves.

Variations of One Pan Creamy Chicken You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations:

Add mushrooms for a one pan creamy chicken with mushrooms twist.
Incorporate lemon for a refreshing one pan creamy lemon chicken option.
Try adding spinach for a healthy one pot creamy chicken and spinach recipe.
For a different flavor profile, use a mix of herbs in place of Italian seasoning.

One Pan Creamy Chicken: 30-Minute Comfort Food - One Pan Creamy Chicken - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy White Wine Mushroom Chicken or try the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. If you’re looking for a comforting dessert, don’t miss our Gingerbread Tiramisu.