Creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi is your new weeknight hero—quick, hearty, and so comforting it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine tender bites of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pillowy gnocchi all coated in a luscious, lemony cream sauce. It’s one of those meals that looks fancy enough for guests but comes together faster than your kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?” Perfect for busy nights when you still want something wholesome and satisfying. Plus, it uses simple, store-bought gnocchi—no extra prep, no fuss, and absolutely no stress.
Table of Contents
What is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi?
At its core, creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi is a one-pan comfort meal that’s rich, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s kind of like mac and cheese’s grown-up cousin—still creamy and cozy but with tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a zesty lemon twist that keeps it light. The gnocchi soaks up all that dreamy sauce, creating a texture that’s somewhere between soft pasta and fluffy dumplings. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques—just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and about 25 minutes. This is the kind of dinner that turns ordinary nights into something special without breaking a sweat.
Reasons to Try Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting and convenient, this creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi hits the jackpot. It’s perfect for those “too tired to cook but still want something homemade” kind of evenings. The recipe is simple, flexible, and kid-friendly—plus, you can swap ingredients easily. Out of cream? Use coconut cream. Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in spinach or peas. It’s the kind of dish that works for everyone—moms juggling school nights, professionals needing a fast meal, or anyone craving cozy food without the heavy lift. Bonus: it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day (if there’s any left!).
Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
For the creamy chicken and broccoli sauce:
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 head of broccoli, broken into small florets
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¾ cup cream (or coconut cream)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To serve:
- Cooked potato gnocchi or pasta of your choice
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
Making creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi step by step is like orchestrating a little kitchen magic — simple ingredients turning into a cozy, creamy masterpiece in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who usually relies on takeout, these easy-to-follow steps will guide you every inch of the way to a perfect, restaurant-worthy dinner. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prep and Heat Your Pan
Before diving in, gather everything you need. Chop your onion finely, crush your garlic, and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Break the broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly later. This bit of prep work makes the rest of the recipe smooth sailing — trust me, future you will thank you.
Place a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in a splash of olive oil. You want the oil shimmering but not smoking — that’s your signal it’s ready for the chicken.
(Want more quick-prep dinner ideas like this one? Check out my One-Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie for another cozy favorite.)
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd — you want each piece to sear and turn golden brown rather than steam. Let it sit for a minute or two before stirring; patience here gives you that flavorful crust that makes the sauce later taste divine.
Once the chicken is golden on all sides (but not yet fully cooked through), remove it from the pan and set it aside. This step-by-step approach ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender once you add it back into the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same pan (and all those gorgeous golden bits left behind), toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant — any longer and it can burn, turning bitter.
At this point, your kitchen will start to smell like you’ve been cooking all day (even though it’s been less than 10 minutes). This step-by-step layering of flavor is what gives your creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi that comforting homemade depth.
(If you love aromatic, flavor-packed dishes, you’ll enjoy my Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup — it’s another reader favorite full of cozy spice.)
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
Next, toss the broccoli florets into the pan. Give them a quick stir and let them cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn a bright, vibrant green. You want them just tender — they’ll continue to soften once the sauce is added.
If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it. This helps avoid excess water that can thin out your sauce.
(For more tips on using fresh vs. frozen veggies, check out my guide in the Green Goddess Soup recipe — it’s full of healthy, practical swaps.)
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift all those flavorful brown bits. These are liquid gold for your sauce! Then, add the cream (or coconut cream if you’re dairy-free) and stir well to combine.
Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken slightly — rich, silky, and absolutely dreamy.
(If you’re in love with creamy comfort foods, don’t miss my Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup, another dish that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort.)
Step 6: Simmer and Combine
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices from the plate) back to the pan. Stir to coat everything in the luscious sauce, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 7–10 minutes. This step-by-step simmering process allows the chicken to finish cooking while the sauce reduces into that perfect creamy consistency we all crave.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For a lighter texture, add a splash of extra stock or cream.
Step 7: Add the Zing
Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is just right, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the entire dish and balances the richness beautifully. Don’t skip it — it’s the secret touch that makes your creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi pop with flavor.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
(For more lemon-forward dinners, you’ll adore my Instant Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Soup — a zesty bowl of sunshine.)
Step 8: Stir in the Gnocchi
Finally, add the cooked gnocchi to the pan. Gently stir to combine, letting the gnocchi soak up all that creamy sauce. It should be well coated but not drowning — a glossy finish is what you’re looking for.
Top with grated Parmesan if desired and serve immediately. Every bite of this creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi step-by-step recipe will make you wonder why you ever bothered with takeout.
(Looking for another hearty gnocchi dish? Try my Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup — it’s a warm, spoon-worthy hug.)
Bonus Tip
If you love a golden finish, you can transfer the gnocchi mixture into an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil it for 2–3 minutes. That bubbly, cheesy top layer? Absolute perfection.
Summary of This Step-by-Step Recipe
By following this creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of a perfectly balanced meal — rich, hearty, and ready in no time. Each stage builds flavor, texture, and comfort, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
For even more comfort food favorites, visit Nourish Well Recipes — where healthy meets heavenly, one comforting dish at a time.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
This dish is rich enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies. A slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce (you won’t want to waste a drop). If you’re going for a light, balanced meal, serve it alongside a bowl of Green Goddess Soup or even a tangy side like Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup. And if you’re cooking for guests, finish with a simple lemon tart or sorbet to keep things bright and fresh.
Key Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi – Boil it just until it floats; otherwise, it’ll turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Add lemon last – Lemon juice can curdle cream if added too early, so save it for the end.
- Double the sauce if you love extra creaminess—it’s fantastic for dipping crusty bread.
- Shortcut alert: Use pre-cut broccoli or rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
- Taste and tweak – The secret to perfect creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi is seasoning it right at the end.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life—it thickens in the fridge. Gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often, or use the microwave for about 60–90 seconds per serving. While it’s not ideal for freezing (the cream can separate), the good news is, it’s so good you probably won’t have any left to freeze anyway.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just thaw it and pat dry before adding it to the pan to avoid watering down the sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the Parmesan. It’s still rich and flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat and toss in fresh gnocchi for that perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s hearty, fast, and full of flavor, creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi is your new go-to. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without complaint (even the picky ones). Creamy, lemony, and satisfying—it’s comfort food done right. So the next time life feels hectic, remember: with a bag of gnocchi and a few simple ingredients, dinner bliss is just 25 minutes away.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli gnocchi is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce tossed with soft gnocchi.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 head of broccoli, broken into small florets
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¾ cup cream (or coconut cream as an alternative)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Cooked potato gnocchi or pasta of your choice
Instructions
1. In a large, deep frying pan, sauté the chicken in a splash of olive oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, fry the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the broccoli and cook for a minute or two before adding the chicken stock and cream.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan and allow the sauce to cook and reduce for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the lemon juice and season to taste.
6. Add the cooked gnocchi and stir to combine.
7. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover roast chicken.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and omitting the parmesan.
Add chili flakes for a little heat, or toss in spinach for extra greens.
