Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi: A Flavorful One-Pan Delight
Discover the irresistible charm of Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi, a delightful twist on the internet-famous Marry Me Chicken recipe. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender, succulent chicken and soft, pillowy potato gnocchi, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully seasoned sauce. It’s a comforting meal that promises to impress, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat that comes together with surprising ease.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine a meal so delicious, so comforting, that it earns its whimsical “Marry Me” moniker, implying it’s good enough to elicit a marriage proposal! What makes this gnocchi version truly stand out is its incredible speed and simplicity. It’s a complete one-pan (or one-pot and one-pan) meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. The delicate potato gnocchi provides a satisfying texture, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. The star, however, is undoubtedly the creamy, flavorful sauce, infused with aromatic garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of the original Marry Me Chicken and elevates them further by incorporating the delightful chewiness of gnocchi, creating a truly unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Swift Solution for Weeknight Dinners
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to prepare a delicious and wholesome meal can be a challenge. That’s where this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi truly shines. Designed to be a quick, efficient, and incredibly satisfying option, it’s the perfect answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” With just about 20 minutes from start to finish, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet-level dish that tastes like it took hours. This recipe minimizes cleanup thanks to its one-pan approach (after boiling the gnocchi), allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your meal with loved ones. Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions and hello to more quality time, all while enjoying a dish that’s rich in flavor and deeply comforting.
“Awesome recipe! Came out full of flavor and easy to put together! Definitely a keeper for a fast delicious meal!”
– June
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
Marry Me Chicken is a popular internet recipe known for its incredibly rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that’s said to be so delicious, it could prompt a marriage proposal. Typically, it features pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. This gnocchi version takes those same beloved flavors and adapts them to create a hearty, one-pan meal with soft potato gnocchi.
Absolutely! While the recipe specifies shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, you can certainly use refrigerated or frozen potato gnocchi. The key is to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging for whichever type you choose, as cooking times can vary. All types generally need to be boiled until they float before being added to the sauce, ensuring they remain light and tender.
This rich and creamy dish pairs wonderfully with sides that can help soak up every last drop of the decadent sauce. Crusty garlic bread, Texas toast, or homemade breadsticks are excellent choices. To add a touch of freshness and balance, a crisp green salad is highly recommended. For an extra special touch, consider making an Olive Garden-style salad with some homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing; the vibrant flavors complement the Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi perfectly.
To bulk up this dish or add more nutritional value, feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are all fantastic additions. Simply sauté them in the skillet with the chicken or garlic before building the sauce. You could even stir in some frozen mixed vegetables that have been steamed in the microwave for an effortless addition.
Gnocchi cooks very quickly. The easiest way to tell if it’s done is when the gnocchi rises to the surface and floats in the boiling water. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy if left in the water for too long. You want them to be light and tender with a slight chew.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi and chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
Crafting this incredible Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi requires a blend of simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: One 16-ounce package is perfect for this recipe. While shelf-stable works great, feel free to use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi; just follow the package instructions for boiling.
- Reserved Gnocchi Water: Don’t toss that starchy water! Reserving about ½ cup of it is crucial. The starch helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra smooth and creamy, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux with butter, forming the base that thickens our rich sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of flavor for our roux. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly, and taste before adding more.
- Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic is always preferred for its vibrant aroma and pungent flavor, which is key to the Marry Me Chicken profile. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Stock (or Broth): Using a low-sodium option gives you more control over the saltiness of your dish. You can always add more salt to taste, but you can’t take it away!
- Heavy Cream: This is non-negotiable for achieving that signature luxurious, thick, and velvety sauce. Half-and-half or milk won’t provide the same richness and body.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Chopped): A hallmark ingredient of Marry Me Chicken, these concentrated tomatoes deliver an intense, sweet-tart flavor that truly sets the dish apart. Even if you’re not a fan of fresh tomatoes, give these a try; their taste and texture are wonderfully unique.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and offers a superior flavor. The pre-grated “green bottle” variety is an option, but for the best results, go with fresh.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a depth of umami and a subtle sweetness to the sauce. If you prefer a less pronounced tomato flavor, you can omit it. Tubes of tomato paste are excellent as they allow you to easily use a small amount and save the rest for later.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A small pinch adds a gentle warmth and a subtle kick, enhancing the overall complexity of the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
- Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme, Paprika: This blend of dried herbs and spices contributes to the aromatic and savory depth of the sauce, creating that irresistible “Marry Me” taste.
- Diced Cooked Chicken (About 2 cups): This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breasts. The pre-cooked chicken makes this meal exceptionally quick. If you need to cook chicken from scratch, you can boil, roast, or even make some in an air fryer.
- Julienned Basil Leaves: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of vibrant color and a herbaceous, aromatic finish. While optional, it significantly brightens the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi comes together quickly, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the 16-ounce package of shelf-stable gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for only 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi begins to float to the surface. This indicates they are tender and perfectly cooked. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy gnocchi water. This water is key to achieving a smooth, rich sauce. Drain the remaining gnocchi and set it aside.
Prepare the Roux: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon for about 2 minutes, creating a smooth roux. This will form the base for your creamy sauce.
Add Aromatics: To the roux, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Build the Sauce Base: Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken stock. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute, ensuring there are no lumps and the sauce begins to smooth out and thicken slightly. The stock will deglaze the pan and incorporate all the delicious browned bits.
Achieve Creaminess: Next, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Continue to whisk for another minute until the sauce is well combined and starts to become lusciously thick and creamy. Reduce the heat slightly if the sauce is bubbling too aggressively.
Incorporate Key Flavors: Stir in ¾ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and the dried seasonings: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Whisk everything together for 1-2 minutes until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a beautifully integrated flavor profile.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If it tastes a bit bland, add a touch more salt or pepper. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Combine and Serve: Finally, transfer the cooked gnocchi, the reserved gnocchi water, and 2 cups of diced cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with 1 tablespoon of fresh julienned basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi, you’ll be thrilled to explore other variations of this beloved dish and more gnocchi-inspired meals:
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken & Rice
- Gnocchi Carbonara
- Italian Gnocchi Soup
- Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi
- Classic Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Recipe Card
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi is a twist on the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe. It is rich in flavor and combines potato gnocchi with tender chicken in a creamy sauce!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 reviewers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package shelf stable gnocchi
- ½ cup gnocchi water (this is the water the gnocchi cooked in)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock (or broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 Tablespoon julienned basil leaves
Instructions
In a pot, boil water. Add the 16-ounce package of shelf-stable gnocchi to the boiling water. When the gnocchi is floating (this takes about 2-3 minutes), it is ready. Reserve ½ cup of the gnocchi water for later, then drain the rest. Set aside the drained, cooked gnocchi for now.
To a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Whisk for about a minute or until fragrant.
Add ½ cup of low-sodium chicken stock. Whisk for about 1 minute.
Add ½ cup of heavy cream. Whisk for 1 minute until well combined and creamy.
Add ¾ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Whisk for 1-2 minutes or until all ingredients are combined and the cheese has melted.
Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if more is needed.
Transfer the cooked gnocchi, the reserved gnocchi water, and 2 cups of diced cooked chicken to the sauté pan. Stir until combined and heated through.
Top with 1 Tablespoon julienned basil leaves, then serve immediately!
Notes
- For ingredient substitutions and frequently asked questions, please refer to the sections above.
Course: Dinner, Main Course | Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 659 kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 911mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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