If you’re searching for a cozy, creamy one-pan dinner that feels fancy yet comes together in a flash, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your new weeknight hero. Soft, pillowy gnocchi and juicy chicken pieces mingle in a luxurious garlic-parmesan sauce, while fresh spinach keeps things bright and uplifting. Every bite is pure comfort! Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this skillet meal is ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Every item adds something special, from the golden seared chicken to the unctuous cream sauce and the unforgettable punch of fresh garlic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Potato gnocchi: These tender, chewy dumplings form the foundation of the skillet; shelf-stable or refrigerated varieties both work beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor, helps brown the chicken, and crisps the gnocchi for wonderful texture.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the garlic and herb flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the subtle flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and a little kick to each mouthful.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs infuses the whole skillet with classic savory aromatics.
- Garlic: The undeniable star, freshly minced garlic gives the skillet its signature aroma and bold taste.
- Baby spinach: Wilts perfectly in the creamy sauce, adding vibrant color and a fresher note.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of the luscious sauce while keeping it light.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly velvety and almost decadent without being too heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that salty, nutty tang that brings everything together.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes and fresh parsley: Garnish with a little heat and color for a finishing flourish.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by warming up a large skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, nestle in the chicken pieces, then shower them evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Searing the chicken until it reaches a golden, caramelized crust (about 6–8 minutes) not only locks in the juices but also builds all that crave-worthy flavor packed into Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the savory chicken pieces to a plate and keep them handy for later.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Gnocchi
Don’t wipe out the skillet—those golden chicken bits left behind are pure flavor gold! Pour in the remaining olive oil, then toss in your potato gnocchi. Let them sizzle for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop those irresistible crispy, golden edges. This step gives your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet that delightful contrast between creamy and crispy you’ll keep coming back for.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Sprinkle the minced garlic right over your crisping gnocchi, stirring constantly for about a minute so the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering garlicky aroma. Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and capture every last bit of seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and breathe in—you’re almost there!
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Now, welcome your golden chicken back to the pan, along with all those savory juices. Fold in the baby spinach and stir until the leaves are just wilted and vibrant, about two minutes. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, letting it melt and thicken the sauce to a creamy, dreamy finish. Let everything bubble gently for one more minute, ensuring your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes together in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon generous helpings of your hot Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet into bowls, then top with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little pop and fresh parsley for brightness, if you like. All that’s left is to dig in and savor every creamy, garlicky, cheesy forkful!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Garnishes
A bright pop of freshness can do wonders for this rich dish. I love showering each serving of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with a toss of chopped parsley and a light dusting of extra parmesan. If you crave a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will wake up your palate without overwhelming those creamy, garlicky undertones.
Side Dishes
While Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is certainly satisfying all on its own, it shines even brighter alongside a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables. Warm, crusty bread or a basket of garlic knots is also fabulous for sopping up any extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this skillet meal family-style in the pan is always a rustic, welcoming option. For dinner parties, try plating smaller portions in shallow bowls and tucking in a parmesan crisp or a swirl of basil oil for a restaurant-worthy touch. Individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets transform Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet into adorable personal pot pies for a cozy brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, allow the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to cool completely, then transfer into an airtight container. Stored properly, it’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep and lunchboxes.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze portions of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, though the texture of the gnocchi and the creamy sauce may change a bit. For best results, freeze in individual containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just know that freshly made will always taste best!
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, adding an extra splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between, so everything heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just stir it in at the same point in the recipe when you’d return the seared chicken to the pan and continue as directed.
Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi will work in Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. Thaw before cooking, and make sure to follow the package instructions for best texture—they may need a minute or two extra in the skillet to crisp up.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten things up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, use light parmesan cheese, and throw in a few extra handfuls of spinach or a medley of sautéed veggies. The dish will still be rich and satisfying!
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
It’s a great meal prep option since it reheats well for a couple of days, making Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet a practical choice for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Just store in airtight containers and enjoy within three days.
What are some ways I can customize Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?
Try swapping spinach for kale, stirring in sun-dried tomatoes, or adding sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor. You could also use different cheeses like asiago or mozzarella and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—everything you need to whip up a Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet that’s creamy, comforting, and totally irresistible! Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something special but speedy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves them happy and full.
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: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal that combines pillowy potato gnocchi with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Quick and easy to make, this Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Cook gnocchi until golden. Add garlic and cook. Pour in broth and cream, simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add spinach, cook until wilted. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes and parsley.
Notes
- Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish is also delicious with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
