Chicken Gnocchi with Butternut Squash & Kale is a cozy, flavorful dish that brings together tender gnocchi, seared chicken, roasted butternut squash, and fresh kale for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. With a combination of crispy textures, savory flavors, and a touch of Parmesan, this one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Comforting – The combination of chicken, gnocchi, and butternut squash makes this dish warm and filling.
One-Pan Meal – Easy to cook with minimal cleanup.
Nutritious & Balanced – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from kale and squash.
Perfect for Fall & Winter – Butternut squash and warm flavors make this a great seasonal dish.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 cup butternut squash, diced
2 cups fresh kale, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender.
Cook the Chicken: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and gnocchi, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi turns slightly crispy.
Combine Everything: Add the roasted butternut squash and kale to the skillet, tossing until the kale wilts (about 2 minutes).
Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mix everything well, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

Creamy Version – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra richness.
Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for chickpeas or mushrooms.
Nutty Addition – Toss in toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Extra Herbs – Garnish with fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Freezing: Not recommended, as gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, but cook it directly in the skillet without thawing to avoid sogginess.

How do I keep gnocchi from getting too soft?

Pan-frying the gnocchi instead of boiling it helps maintain a firmer texture.

What’s the best substitute for kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or arugula are great alternatives.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Simply add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to heat through.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add a sauce?

A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a splash of white wine in the pan adds extra flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this a fully gluten-free meal.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but store the cooked gnocchi separately from the sauce and reheat before serving.

How do I get a deeper flavor?

Roast the garlic alongside the butternut squash or add caramelized onions for extra richness.

Conclusion

Chicken Gnocchi with Butternut Squash & Kale is a cozy, hearty dish packed with warm, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy one-pan meal delivers both nutrition and deliciousness in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal!

Chicken Gnocchi with Butternut Squash & Kale

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This Chicken Gnocchi with Butternut Squash & Kale is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal, combining crispy gnocchi, juicy seared chicken, and roasted butternut squash with fresh kale and Parmesan. Perfect for a healthy, fall-inspired dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients while staying easy to prepare!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting & Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Instructions

Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender.
Cook the Chicken: Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Crisp the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add garlic and gnocchi, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
Combine Everything: Add roasted butternut squash and kale, tossing until the kale wilts.
Finish & Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, mix well, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash for a variation.
Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.