Some meals just stick with you, and this high protein chicken gnocchi is one of those. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with warmth and the kind of aroma that pulls you away from whatever you’re doing — even when you’re halfway distracted by a buzzing phone or a loose thread on your sweater. I remember the first time I made this, the creamy sauce bubbling gently as I stirred, the tender chicken pieces nestled between pillowy gnocchi, and the fresh spinach just wilting at the edges. It wasn’t perfect — I might have left the heat a little too high for a moment, which made me start over on the sauce, but it was worth the extra effort. The comfort of that creamy, protein-packed dish made me forget about the small kitchen chaos happening around me.
It’s the kind of meal that invites you to linger at the table a little longer, maybe with a glass of something chilled or a simple side salad. It feels indulgent but still balanced, easy to pull together even on a busy night. This meal doesn’t demand fuss or fancy presentation — it’s honest, straightforward, and satisfying in the best way.
- Combines hearty protein with soft, comforting gnocchi — a filling meal without feeling heavy.
- Simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, though it rewards a bit of attention to keep the sauce creamy.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for complicated steps or ingredients.
- The creamy sauce gets a boost of tang from Greek yogurt, which might surprise you but works beautifully.
- Spinach adds a fresh pop of color and nutrition, sneaking in greens without overpowering the dish.
If you’re worried about handling gnocchi or making the sauce, don’t be. A regular skillet does the job just fine, and the sauce comes together quickly once you get the hang of whisking the roux and adding the broth. Serve it straight from the pan for a cozy, casual feel. Leftovers reheat well, too, though you might want to loosen the sauce with a splash of broth to keep it silky.
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High Protein Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty high protein chicken gnocchi recipe featuring tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce packed with flavor and extra protein.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken, gnocchi, and chopped spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
For equipment, just a good non-stick skillet and a pot for boiling gnocchi are all you need. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal. If you want to switch it up, try swapping spinach for kale or adding a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat — though I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, they seem promising. Some days, I toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or swap Parmesan for Pecorino for a slightly sharper edge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh? Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce? It adds creaminess and protein, but you could experiment with sour cream or cream cheese if you prefer.
What if I can’t find gnocchi? Small pasta shapes like cavatappi or even mini shells can work in a pinch, though the texture will differ.
How spicy is this dish? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that you can adjust or omit based on your taste.
Give this high protein chicken gnocchi a try next time you want something comforting and nourishing — it’s a little imperfect, a lot delicious, and just waiting to be part of your dinner rotation.