Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/garlic-chicken-gnocchi-skillet-recipe/
