Name: Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lb. total); 4 1/2 tsp. Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s), divided; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 cup half-and-half; 1/2 cup drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 1/2 tsp. dried thyme; 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe·5 from 146 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting one-pan dinner with a spicy kick, you’re going to love this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those meals that hits all the right notes – creamy, flavorful, and with just enough Cajun spice to wake up your taste buds. I remember the first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop raving about how the tender chicken paired so perfectly with the pillowy gnocchi swimming in that dreamy, spicy sauce. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything so your skillet comes out just right every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The spice of Cajun seasoning meets creamy sauce and tender gnocchi for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Customizable Heat: You control how spicy it gets, so everyone at your table is happy.
Comfort Food Done Right: It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests without fuss.

The image shows a white plate with a layer of creamy, light orange sauce mixed with small gnocchi and bits of green herbs, spread evenly across the plate. On top of the sauce, there is a sliced, golden-brown grilled chicken breast arranged in a neat row, with a crispy, slightly charred texture on the outside and tender white inside. Small pieces of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top of the chicken and sauce for garnish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, Cajun Chicken dinner, spicy gnocchi skillet, one-pan Cajun chicken recipe, easy Cajun chicken and gnocchi

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe relies on fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. If you pick a good Creole seasoning, it really amplifies the dish with those authentic Cajun vibes.

Flat lay of three boneless, skinless chicken breasts with natural texture and pale pink color, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of light beige half-and-half cream, a small white bowl of reddish-brown chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of light brown low-sodium chicken broth, a single yellow onion halved to show inner layers with bright yellow color, a medium green bell pepper cut open to reveal seeds removed and chopped pieces, one stalk of celery with leaves attached and finely chopped pieces beside it, two whole cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, a small white bowl of Creole seasoning with speckled reddish-orange powder, a small white bowl of dried thyme with tiny green leaves, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese with fine texture, a small bunch of fresh bright green chopped parsley, a simple mound of uncooked pillowy potato gnocchi in white ceramic bowl — placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, Cajun Chicken dinner, spicy gnocchi skillet, one-pan Cajun chicken recipe, easy Cajun chicken and gnocchi

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
Creole seasoning with sodium: I love Tony Chachere’s for that perfect blend – don’t skip the salt, it seasons throughout.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing veggies – adds nice depth without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce and bring sweetness.
Green bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and freshness – remove seeds for mildness.
Celery stalk: Gives that subtle aromatic backbone to your sauce.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to release their flavor gently without burning.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich without being salty.
Tomato paste: Deepens the sauce with umami and richness.
Half-and-half: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without heaviness of cream.
Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Burst of tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with Cajun spice.
Dried thyme: Earthy note that ties everything together beautifully.
Gnocchi (17-oz. package): Pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the sauce; fresh or frozen works well.
Grated Parmesan: Stirred in at the end for that cheesy finish and richness.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: For finishing and adjusting seasoning.
Fresh parsley: Fresh chopped, brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to keep it fresh and suit different tastes. Feel free to swap out ingredients or tweak the seasoning level to make it your own.

Spicy Boost: If you like it hotter, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños when cooking the veggies – my family goes crazy for the extra fire.
Veggie Upgrade: Add mushrooms or spinach in step 2 to sneak in extra nutrition and flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace half-and-half with canned coconut milk and skip the Parmesan – it still tastes amazing, just creamier and dairy-free.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick, seafood twist that cooks in minutes.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi or even roasted potatoes for a different take.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts liberally with 4 teaspoons of Creole seasoning on both sides – don’t be shy, this is where the flavor begins. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook it for about 5 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden brown. You’ll notice a nice crust develop, which locks in the juices. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. This step is key because cooking the chicken too quickly on a higher heat gives you that flavorful crust without drying out the meat.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and thinly sliced garlic. Stir frequently and let them cook gently for around 5 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This mixture forms the aromatic base of your sauce, so don’t rush it. Keep an eye so the garlic doesn’t brown too fast – burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Step 3: Create That Creamy Sauce & Simmer Gnocchi

Next, stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste, scraping up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor! Slowly pour in the half-and-half while stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before adding the gnocchi and nestling your seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Let the whole skillet simmer on medium-low for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chicken to finish cooking inside the flavorful sauce while the gnocchi absorb all the spices and creaminess. You’ll know the chicken is perfectly done when an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Remove the chicken onto a cutting board and stir the grated Parmesan into the skillet until melted and silky. Taste your dish and adjust with extra Creole seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed – this step really lets you tailor the flavors. Slice the chicken breasts and gently return them to the skillet, nestling them among the creamy gnocchi. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh note and a splash of color.

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving chicken space to sear properly helps it develop that flavorful crust instead of steaming.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: It’s the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
Add Gnocchi Last: They cook quickly and can get mushy if overcooked, so keep them tender and chewy by adding near the end.
Adjust Spice Levels Gradually: I learned not to dump in all the Creole seasoning upfront—taste and add more as needed to suit your heat preference.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

A black cast iron pan is filled with a creamy light orange sauce with small gnocchi pieces, bits of green herbs, and sun-dried tomato slices scattered throughout. On top of the sauce are two sliced chicken breasts with a golden brown seared crust. They are cut into thick, even slices and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, Cajun Chicken dinner, spicy gnocchi skillet, one-pan Cajun chicken recipe, easy Cajun chicken and gnocchi

Garnishes

I can’t resist finishing this dish with a scatter of fresh parsley – it just brightens it up and adds a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top or a few cracks of black pepper for that last flavor boost.

Side Dishes

I often pair this skillet meal with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also make for fresh, crunchy sides that complement the creamy gnocchi beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in individual cast-iron skillets – it makes for a cozy presentation and keeps the dish warm at the table. Adding lemon wedges on the side gives guests the option to add a zesty twist, which surprisingly brightens the rich flavors even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool it quickly and keep the sauce thick by reheating gently to avoid the gnocchi turning mushy.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this recipe, and while it keeps okay, the texture of the gnocchi changes slightly. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to store the chicken separate and add fresh gnocchi when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half if the sauce feels thick or dry. Stir often to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just add it directly to the skillet in step 3 and let it simmer until tender. Keep an eye on cooking times because frozen gnocchi might take a minute or two longer.
What if I don’t have Creole seasoning? Can I make my own?

Yes! A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper can replicate Creole seasoning. Adjust the cayenne carefully if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs work great and add more richness and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust cooking time since thighs may take a little longer to reach 165°F internally.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! It reheats really well and makes a hearty lunch or dinner prep. Keep the sauce a bit thicker when reheating by adding a splash of broth and stirring gently.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe manages to feel fancy yet is so simple to throw together on any weeknight. It’s like getting a warm hug from a dish – spicy, creamy, and satisfying. If you’ve been looking for a new way to wow your family or impress friends with minimal fuss, give this one a try. I promise once you get that first bite, you’ll be making it again and again.