Name: Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: North African-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tsp. ras el hanout; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped; 3 cups packed baby spinach; Finely chopped fresh basil leaves, for serving; 1/2 cup harissa paste; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 1/4 cups half-and-half; 1 (17-oz.) pkg. dry or frozen gnocchi; 3/4 cup crumbled feta, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 118 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly comforting, you’ve got to try this Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. It’s one of those meals I love because it combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, spicy sauce that’s balanced perfectly with creamy half-and-half and tangy feta. Trust me, once you make this at home, it’ll quickly become a go-to dinner that your family and friends ask for on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Packed: The harissa paste gives this dish a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfectly mellowed out by creamy half-and-half and crumbled feta.
Comforting & Quick: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 45 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special.
One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks in one skillet, keeping cleanup simple and the chicken super juicy.
Crowd Pleaser: I’ve made this for friends and family who go absolutely nuts over the creamy, spicy sauce and tender gnocchi.

A white cast iron pan holds a creamy orange sauce with small yellow gnocchi, green spinach leaves, and chunks of mushrooms mixed in. On top, there are four thick slices of cooked chicken with a golden brown crust arranged around the edges of the pan. White crumbles of cheese and small green leafy herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and sauce. A metal spoon lifted by a woman's hand holds one slice of chicken covered in the creamy sauce, showing the soft white inside with a green herb inside the slice. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi, spicy chicken and gnocchi skillet, easy harissa chicken dinner, comforting gnocchi recipes, flavor-packed chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a part in building that irresistible depth of flavor. Plus, using baby bella mushrooms adds earthiness that balances the heat from the harissa paste beautifully. When shopping, try to pick fresh herbs and good-quality harissa for the best results.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken cutlets with a light seasoning of black pepper and ras el hanout, a small shallot whole and unpeeled, thinly sliced baby bella mushrooms arranged neatly, two whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red harissa paste, fresh thyme sprigs with tiny green leaves, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of light brown low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with creamy half-and-half, uncooked pillowy gnocchi dumplings scattered evenly, a small white bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, a bunch of fresh vibrant baby spinach leaves, and fresh basil leaves loosely gathered—all 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 - Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi, spicy chicken and gnocchi skillet, easy harissa chicken dinner, comforting gnocchi recipes, flavor-packed chicken pasta

Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets: Thin cutlets cook quickly, stay juicy, and soak up the harissa sauce perfectly.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously for well-rounded flavors at every bite.
Ras el hanout: This fragrant North African spice blend adds warmth; if you don’t have it, a mix of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon works in a pinch.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good quality for sautéing—the flavor really shines through.
Small shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down with the mushrooms.
Baby bella mushrooms: Their meaty texture pairs amazing with the creamy sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic provides essential aroma and savory richness.
Harissa paste: This is the star—smoky, spicy, and complex; I recommend using a quality brand like New York Shuk for authentic taste.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds bright, herbal notes that balance the richness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without making it too salty.
Half-and-half: Creates that luscious, creamy texture without being too heavy.
Dry or frozen gnocchi: Either works; I usually use dry for convenience but frozen cooks up super tender.
Crumbled feta cheese: Adds tanginess and a delightful salty punch.
Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end for color, texture, and a touch of green goodness.
Fresh basil leaves: A finishing touch that brightens every spoonful with fresh herbal aroma.

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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 making this recipe my own by switching up a few things here and there—feel free to do the same depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge!

Protein swap: I’ve swapped chicken for spicy chorizo or even shrimp, and it still turns out fantastic with that creamy harissa sauce.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of half-and-half and omit the feta; you’ll still get that creamy texture with a twist.
Extra veggies: Adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes gives a lovely sweetness and color pop I adore.
Heat level: If you like it spicier, stir in some harissa extra or a pinch of cayenne; I’ve learned a little goes a long way here!

How to Make Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken cutlets dry—this helps them brown nicely. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, and ras el hanout. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then add the chicken. Cook about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F. When removing the chicken, let it rest on a cutting board so the juices redistribute—this makes every bite tender and juicy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and sliced baby bella mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are nicely browned—about 5 minutes. Then stir in garlic, harissa paste, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This fragrant base is what sets the recipe apart.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Harissa Sauce and Cook Gnocchi

Pour in the chicken broth and take a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the pan bottom—that’s pure flavor magic. Slowly stir in half-and-half and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Season with a bit of salt and pepper but remember the feta will add saltiness too. Add your gnocchi directly to the skillet—dry gnocchi will cook in about 10 minutes, but frozen will take a couple minutes longer. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking as they cook tender.

Step 4: Finish with Feta and Spinach

Once the gnocchi is cooked through, stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese until it begins to melt into the sauce, giving it a tangy creaminess. Add the baby spinach last and stir until wilted—this step takes just about 2 minutes. Your sauce will be beautifully creamy with hints of heat and herbaceous notes from the thyme and basil.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Bring It All Together

Slice your rested chicken into strips and gently nestle them back into the skillet alongside the creamy gnocchi. Sprinkle with the remaining feta and fresh basil leaves for that final burst of freshness and flavor. Serve immediately while it’s nice and warm!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken cutlets in batches if needed ensures they brown instead of steam.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh thyme and basil really brightens the sauce, so don’t skimp on these.
Gnocchi Choice: I used to struggle with frozen gnocchi sticking; a little extra broth and gentle stirring helps them cook perfectly without clumping.
Balancing Heat: If you’re new to harissa, start with less— you can always add more to taste at the end.

How to Serve Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

The image shows a skillet filled with three sliced, cooked chicken pieces arranged in a row, each with a golden-brown crust and white inside. Below and around the chicken, there are several layers of a creamy orange sauce mixed with small white gnocchi-like dumplings, dark mushroom slices, and dark green spinach leaves, giving a mix of soft textures and colors. The dish is sprinkled with white crumbled cheese and small fresh green basil leaves, adding dots of brightness and freshness. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the sauce in the lower right area of the skillet. The entire dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi, spicy chicken and gnocchi skillet, easy harissa chicken dinner, comforting gnocchi recipes, flavor-packed chicken pasta

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil and crumbled feta—it adds a fresh pop and some tang that balances the creamy sauce. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty on its own, I like keeping sides simple. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pair beautifully. Sometimes, I make garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce—never a bad idea!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I serve this in wide, shallow bowls so the sauce spreads out invitingly. Topping with a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a festive flair and contrasts nicely with the creamy base. Trust me, your guests will be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when cold, so before serving, I gently reheat it with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back up to that silky texture.

Freezing

Because the sauce has dairy and the gnocchi are delicate, freezing isn’t my first choice, but you can freeze just the cooked chicken separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and toss the chicken into freshly made sauce with cooked gnocchi.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of liquid if needed to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for best texture, although it works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dry or frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work beautifully and usually cook even faster. Just keep an eye on them as they’ll likely be tender and ready in just a few minutes once they float to the surface.
What if I don’t have harissa paste on hand?

No worries! You can make a simple substitute by mixing smoked paprika, cayenne, a bit of garlic powder, and a touch of tomato paste. While it won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still get that smoky, spicy vibe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy harissa sauce still shines as the centerpiece.
How spicy is this Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe?

The heat is moderate—harissa gives a warm, smoky spice that isn’t overwhelming. If you have a low heat tolerance, start with less harissa and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe brings complex, satisfying flavors to the table without complicated steps. It’s been a winner in my kitchen time and time again, especially on nights I want something cozy but a little different from the usual. I can’t wait for you to try it—I’m sure this will become one of your favorite dishes too, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal!