Creamy, comforting, and scintillating with layers of flavor, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. Picture plump potato gnocchi cloaked in a luscious garlic cream sauce, mingling with golden seared chicken and pops of vibrant spinach — all from a single pan and in about thirty minutes! This dish pulls together cozy Italian vibes and the ease of a modern, minimal-fuss meal, making it an absolute staple for both family dinners and impressive date nights. Once you try this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, it’s bound to become a beloved repeat in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its handful of pantry staples—each plays a special role, from the tender gnocchi to the heroically fragrant garlic. Pull these ingredients from your fridge and pantry; together, they’re pure magic with hardly any fuss.
- Potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings soak up all that wonderful sauce and provide the perfect chewy base for your skillet meal.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity undertone and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook up quickly and deliver lean protein.
- Butter: Brings creamy richness and an authentic homemade flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Four cloves might sound bold, but it provides that irresistible punch that defines the entire dish.
- Chicken broth: Adds essential savoriness and helps mellow out the cream, infusing the sauce with depth.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and indulgently decadent, tying everything together beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives cheesy body and a little umami boost; it melts into the sauce perfectly.
- Baby spinach: Wilted in at the very end, it offers a touch of color, nutrition, and freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning, but it just pulls the flavors into perfect balance.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright sprinkle at the finish for a little pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your potato gnocchi. They cook up fast, usually in about two to three minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain them and set aside; this step guarantees they’ll be ready to soak up all the flavors later and gives you a jumpstart on your skillet prep.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle until deliciously golden-brown and cooked through, about five to six minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate but don’t stress about a few browned bits left in the pan — they’ll add even more flavor to the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt your butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute, just until the air fills with that heavenly aroma (don’t let it brown). Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. This sauce will begin to thicken after a couple of minutes—perfect for cozying up to your gnocchi.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is luxuriously smooth. Then, slide back in your cooked chicken and the waiting gnocchi. Gently fold in the baby spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce for another two to three minutes. You’re looking for a skillet brimming with creamy sauce, golden chicken, and pops of green.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the bubbling Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet into bowls and, if you like, shower it with a handful of chopped parsley for a final flourish. Serve immediately so everyone can delight in the creamy, garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped fresh parsley take this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet over the top. For a bit of heat, you can always add a dusting of red pepper flakes, or toss on a few toasted pine nuts for crunch and a subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This skillet is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to turn dinner into a true event, pair it with a crisp side salad, blistered asparagus, or some roasted broccoli. A loaf of crusty garlic bread is never out of place, perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to guests, try piling it into a big, shallow platter topped with a swirl of extra cream and a scattering of microgreens. For a fun twist, fill individual ramekins and run them under the broiler for a toasty-cheese finish, or serve in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an irresistibly cozy bistro feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet stores beautifully. Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days and makes for sensational desk lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze portions of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, keep in mind that the creamy sauce may change texture a little after thawing; gnocchi can also become a bit softer. To freeze, cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and use within a month for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving in short bursts works too, just stir frequently so everything warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi (often found in a vacuum-sealed package or in the refrigerated pasta aisle) works perfectly and keeps dinner prep quick and easy.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is super flexible. Swap in cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or even tofu for a fun protein twist while keeping all the garlicky, creamy goodness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free gnocchi (readily available at many grocery stores) and double check your broth, and you’ll have a meal everyone can enjoy without worry.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to get creative—kale, arugula, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are all fantastic additions. Add them along with the spinach, or substitute as you please to make the skillet suit your tastes.
Can I make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet ahead of time?
You can prepare most of it ahead: cook the chicken and gnocchi, and make the sauce up to a day in advance. Just leave out the spinach until the final simmer so it stays fresh and bright.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that checks every box—quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing—then Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the recipe to reach for. It’s one of those meals that never fails to gather people around the table, eager for just one more bite. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pan garlic chicken gnocchi skillet recipe that is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi:
1 pound potato gnocchi
Chicken:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
2 cups baby spinach, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back to the skillet, then fold in the spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Swap in kale for spinach or use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
