Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, comforting, and just a little bit spicy, then you’re going to want to stick around for this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that unmistakable Cajun kick all in one skillet — making dinner both easy and impressive. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to weeknight favorites!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe, the ingredient list comes together like a dream — simple pantry staples plus some punchy Creole seasoning make the magic happen. I always suggest using a good-quality gnocchi and a bold Creole seasoning blend like Tony Chachere’s for that authentic flavor.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and juicy results.
• Creole seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse; adjust to taste but don’t skip it!
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness while keeping things light and helps brown that chicken beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.
• Green bell pepper: Adds color and a mild crunch to the creamy skillet.
• Celery stalk: A subtle background flavor that enhances the classic Cajun flavor base.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced garlic infuses every bite with wonderful aroma.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: For that savory depth without being too salty.
• Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated richness and lovely color to the sauce.
• Half-and-half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without heaviness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a burst of tanginess and chew that contrasts beautifully in the dish.
• Dried thyme: Earthy herb note that rounds out the Cajun flavor profile.
• Gnocchi: The star carb — pillowy and quick to cook, it absorbs all that sauce perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan: Stirred in at the end for a sharp, cheesy finish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste for the perfect balance.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish to finish it all off.

Variations

I love that this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is super flexible, so you can customize it to fit what you have on hand or your family’s tastes. Swap veggies, adjust the heat, or make it lighter or heartier depending on the day.

• Spice it up: When I want an extra kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños—totally transforms the heat level.
• Veggie boost: Sometimes I toss in sliced mushrooms or spinach during the sautéing step to sneak in extra greens.
• Dairy swap: For a lighter twist, swap half-and-half for coconut milk; the flavor shifts but still creamy and delicious.
• Protein alternatives: Shrimp or andouille sausage are excellent swaps if you’re looking for variety or to mix up the protein.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Ultimate Flavor

Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with about 4 teaspoons of Creole seasoning—don’t be shy here because this is where you build that signature Cajun flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until golden brown on both sides, roughly 5 minutes per side. I like to resist moving the chicken too much to get that perfect sear. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in juices, so your chicken stays tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics—Your Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and sliced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes—stir occasionally, but not constantly. This slowly develops a sweet and savory base that’s essential to the dish. Don’t rush this step; the vegetables really need to soften and mellow out the garlic’s sharpness.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Add the chicken broth and tomato paste to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds extra flavor you won’t want to miss. Slowly stir in the half-and-half, allowing the sauce to come together smoothly. Then mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before adding the gnocchi. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce, then cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F—usually 8 to 10 minutes. This simmer softens the gnocchi right in the sauce and infuses everything with spice and creaminess.

Step 4: Finish and Serve with a Sprinkle

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board to rest briefly. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the skillet sauce until it melts smoothly. Give the sauce a taste and add more Creole seasoning, salt, or pepper if you want to brighten or amp up the flavors. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, then sprinkle everything with freshly chopped parsley. Serve straight from the pan for that warm, comforting vibe everyone will love.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a little extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for shine and richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli to add a touch of earthiness and crunch. Garlic bread also works wonders here if you want to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate this dish in individual shallow bowls and top each serving with a sprig of fresh thyme or a small spoonful of crispy fried onions for texture contrast. Arranging chicken slices neatly over the gnocchi makes it look restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the chicken slices from the sauce and gnocchi if you can, just to preserve the texture of the chicken better.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, I’ve found that the texture of the gnocchi changes a bit after freezing and reheating. If freezing, place it in a tightly sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps keep it creamy and prevents the gnocchi from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe, I was hooked instantly. The creamy sauce combined with the bold Creole seasoning made it one of those dishes I wanted to eat all week long. It’s super satisfying, yet easy enough to make any night, and the leftovers are fantastic, too. I know you’ll enjoy how effortlessly it comes together and how much your family will love this one-pan wonder — it’s like a hug on a plate, Cajun style! Give it a shot, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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