One Pan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi (Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi)

If you've spent any time on social media over the past few years, you've probably come across Marry Me Chicken. This creamy chicken recipe exploded in popularity thanks to its rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce that's supposedly so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal!

Before it became an internet sensation, many people knew a very similar dish as Tuscan Chicken. While the names may have changed, the flavours we all love haven't. Think juicy chicken, garlic, Parmesan, cream, herbs, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes all simmered together into one irresistible sauce.

This recipe is my take on the viral favourite—but with one delicious upgrade. Instead of serving it with pasta or mashed potatoes, everything cooks together with soft, pillowy gnocchi in a single pan. The gnocchi soaks up all that rich, creamy sauce, making this an easy weeknight dinner that's comforting, filling, and packed with flavour.

If you're looking for an easy one pan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi recipe, this is one you'll come back to time and time again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pan, so there's less washing up.

• Ready in around 35 minutes.

• Rich, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce.

• Tender chicken thighs stay juicy and full of flavour.

• Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cosy weekends.

• Family-friendly and easy to adapt.

Serves

4

Ingredients

• 500g potato gnocchi

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 shallot or small red onion, finely diced

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 100g sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

• 2 large garlic cloves, grated

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

• 30g fresh basil, finely sliced

• 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

• 200ml chicken stock

• 200ml double cream

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Make One Pan Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

1. Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper before coating lightly in the plain flour.

The flour helps the chicken develop a lovely golden crust while also thickening the sauce later on.

2. Brown the chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat.

Add the chicken in a single layer and leave it undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden before turning.

Add the diced shallot and cook for another couple of minutes until softened.

3. Build the sauce

Stir in the diced tomato, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano and chilli flakes.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic has mellowed.

4. Add the gnocchi

Add the gnocchi directly to the pan and stir everything together for a couple of minutes.

Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook for around 10 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften while the stock reduces slightly.

5. Make it creamy

Stir through the double cream, grated Parmesan and fresh basil.

Allow everything to simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the sauce becomes rich, silky and coats the gnocchi beautifully.

Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed before serving.

Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for the perfect finishing touch.

Top Tips

• Use chicken thighs rather than breast. They're much juicier and stay tender during cooking.

• Don't skip browning the chicken. Those golden bits left in the pan add incredible flavour to the sauce.

• Freshly grate your Parmesan. It melts much more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.

• Use the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes instead of olive oil for even more flavour.

• Avoid boiling the sauce once you've added the cream, as gentle simmering keeps it smooth and silky.

• If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir through a splash of chicken stock or hot water.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly easy to customise.

Try adding:

• Baby spinach

• Mushrooms

• Roasted red peppers

• Crispy pancetta

• Kale

• Mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish

You can also swap the gnocchi for your favourite pasta if that's what you have in the cupboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The name became popular on social media because the creamy, garlicky sauce is supposedly so delicious that it could inspire someone to propose! It's essentially a modern name for a creamy Tuscan-style chicken recipe.

Is Marry Me Chicken the same as Tuscan Chicken?

They're incredibly similar. Both feature chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Marry Me Chicken has simply become the more widely recognised name thanks to its viral popularity.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, although chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavourful. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi?

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, reheat gently and stir well to bring the sauce back together.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi?

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it's delicious served with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus.

Can I make this without gnocchi?

Absolutely. This creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tagliatelle, fettuccine, penne, mashed potatoes, or even fluffy rice.

More Easy One Pan Dinner Recipes

If you love quick, comforting dinners with minimal washing up, be sure to browse my other one pan recipes. They're packed with flavour, easy enough for busy weeknights, and perfect for feeding the whole family.