Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Optional: Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if desired.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and an optional squeeze of lemon. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and depth.
• If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be used. Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and cook uncovered until tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added protein and flavor.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic-infused sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that combines hearty flavors with ease.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Skillet:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Optional: Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add additional oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture to combine, then bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has started to thicken.
4. Add Chicken & Spinach: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Add the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns creamy. Let it simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optionally a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. This skillet pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Adding red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce well.
• Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi to keep them tender and pillowy.
• Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture; baby spinach wilts quickly and blends well with the sauce.

Keywords: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi, Creamy Chicken Skillet, One-Pan Meal, Italian Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe