Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is a bold, comforting dish that combines tender bites of chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, spicy cream sauce infused with harissa paste. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something cozy with a little kick—flavorful, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends creamy and spicy in the most delicious way. The gnocchi soaks up the flavorful harissa sauce, and the chicken adds heartiness that makes this dish feel like a full meal. It’s also simple to make in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. The balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors is what makes me come back to this dish again and again.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion or shallot
Harissa paste
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

I start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
I stir in the harissa paste and let it cook for a minute to bring out the flavor.
I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.
I return the chicken to the skillet, then add the gnocchi and let it simmer until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.
I stir in grated parmesan and any greens I want to include, cooking just until wilted.
Before serving, I garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 35–40 minutes total, making it great for a weeknight dinner that feels special without being complicated.

Variations

I sometimes use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
To make it vegetarian, I skip the meat and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
If I want it even creamier, I add a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.
I adjust the heat by adding more or less harissa depending on how spicy I want it.
I switch up the greens with arugula, Swiss chard, or leave them out entirely.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. I don’t recommend freezing it, since the gnocchi can become mushy and the sauce may separate.

FAQs

What is harissa, and where do I find it?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted peppers, spices, and oil. I usually find it in the international or condiment aisle at most grocery stores.

Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?

Yes, I use either fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable gnocchi. All work well in this recipe since they cook directly in the sauce.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level depends on the brand and amount of harissa used. I start with less and add more to taste if I want a stronger kick.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

I like using boneless thighs for a juicier result, but chicken breasts work great too if I’m looking for something leaner.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I swap the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or skip the parmesan altogether.

Conclusion

Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is one of those dishes that feels like comfort food with a modern, spicy twist. I love how the sauce clings to every bite of gnocchi and how the chicken brings it all together. It’s a bold, flavorful meal that doesn’t take much effort but delivers big on taste—definitely one I keep in my rotation.