1-First Step: Prepare and Cook the Chicken Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sundried tomato oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of chicken breast pieces, then season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally, then remove it and set aside. This step builds flavor and ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning. Next, deglaze the pan with 1 cup of chicken stock, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom for extra taste. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.

3-Third Step: Simmer the Gnocchi and Cream Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 16 ounces of packaged gnocchi to the pan. Gently simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce begins to thicken. Keep the heat steady to prevent the cream from curdling, aiming for a creamy consistency that coats everything nicely.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate Flavors and Vegetables Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine, letting the cheese melt into the sauce for that irresistible creaminess. Then, add 2 cups of baby spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes; if the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to adjust.

5-Final Step: Combine and Serve Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together to heat through. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. With prep time of 10 minutes and cook time of 15 minutes, totaling 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. For more chicken ideas, check out our Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe on our site.