If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dinners, this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi recipe will absolutely win you over. It’s inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish — but this version comes straight from the new Skinnytaste High Protein Cookbook, and it’s lighter, faster, and even more delicious.
Tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce come together in a skillet. The flavor is rich and restaurant-worthy, but the ingredients are wholesome and easy to find. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels special — and yes, it’s the kind of dish that might make someone fall in love with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bursting with flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and Parmesan give it an Italian comfort-food flair.
- It’s a one-pan dinner: Gnocchi cooks separately, then everything comes together in the same skillet.
- It’s lightened-up but creamy: Made with ⅓-less-fat cream cheese and half-and-half for a lighter twist.
- It’s packed with protein and veggies: Chicken and spinach make it a balanced meal.
This recipe comes from my friend Gina Homolka’s new cookbook: Skinnytaste High Protein- 100 Healthy, Simple Recipes to Fuel Your Day. If you are trying to get more protein in your diet, this is the cookbook for you! Every recipe has 30+ grams of protein. There are so many great recipes to try. We’ve already tried the Philly Cheesesteak Pasta, and it was amazing. I’ve also bookmarked Creamy Protein Oats, Chilled Shrimp Salad, Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars, Lentil Chili, Lasagna Roll Ups, Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel, Baked Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs, Hearty Autumn Salad, Sunday Pot Roast, Pork Tenderloin Piccata and Sweet Potato Burger Bowls. It’s a great book to add to your cookbook collection.
Ingredients:
- chicken
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- gnocchi
- sun-dried tomatoes + oil from the jar
- shallot
- garlic
- tomato paste
- fresh baby spinach
- cream cheese
- chicken broth
- half and half
- dried oregano
- grated Parmesan cheese
How to make Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi:
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-low. Add shallot and garlic; cook 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook another minute.
- Add vegetables: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts (2 to 4 minutes).
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat and add cream cheese, chicken broth, half and half, and oregano. Stir until creamy and smooth.
- Combine: Return cooked chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Simmer a few minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil — they add incredible flavor and richness.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; small cubes cook quickly!
- About the gnocchi: Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even cauliflower gnocchi works here.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or fresh basil before serving.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
This recipe is rich and comforting, so keep the sides light. I suggest a simple arugula salad, roasted brussels sprouts and garlic bread. Consider serving cranberry bliss bars for dessert!
Storage:
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. This recipe is not freezer-friendly — cream-based sauces may separate.
Author’s Note:
This high protein Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi recipe was barely adapted from the Skinnytaste Protein Cookbook by Gina Homolka. It’s a perfect example of how her recipes balance flavor and nutrition beautifully — and I think it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. If you’re a fan of the “Marry Me” recipes, you might also like to try our Marry Me Chicken Soup and Marry Me Chicken Lasagna.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1½ teaspoons sun-dried tomato oil from the jar
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drained)
- 4 cups packed baby spinach, chopped
- 3 tablespoons ⅓-less-fat cream cheese (can use full fat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons half and half (can use heavy cream)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Drain well, and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with oil (or drizzle a little oil in the pan). Add the chicken, and give it a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-low heat. Add the shallot and garlic and saute until they become fragrant and translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until heated through, another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, chicken broth, half and half and oregano. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Return the cooked chicken along with the gnocchi to the skillet and let it simmer over low heat in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, if using, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
