There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially one that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate cozy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gnocchi, those soft little potato dumplings, soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s full of flavor in every bite. The addition of garlic and Parmesan gives the sauce a rich, savory depth, while a touch of cream makes it velvety smooth. The best part? Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to sit down and enjoy your meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a warm bowl of comfort, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax.
- Rich and Creamy: A garlic-infused, creamy Parmesan sauce that coats every bite.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Filling: Tender chicken and soft gnocchi make for a satisfying meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This dish is easy enough for a weeknight but tastes like something special you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavor-packed meal.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds so much extra flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. The beauty of this dish is that the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the gnocchi doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Add the Spinach & Chicken
Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the baby spinach and cooked chicken. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Helpful Tips
- Golden Brown Chicken: For extra flavor, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Giving it space allows it to brown beautifully rather than steam.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra couple of minutes before adding the gnocchi. You can also stir in a little more Parmesan cheese.
- Gnocchi Tip: No need to boil the gnocchi beforehand—it cooks right in the sauce, making it extra flavorful and saving you time.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for an extra boost of color and nutrients.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian-friendly (if using meat alternatives)
Notes
- Gnocchi Texture: If you like your gnocchi a bit firmer, cook it for a minute less. For extra softness, let it simmer for an additional minute or two in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
- Garlic Flavor: For a milder garlic taste, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. This gives the dish a slightly sweet and nutty depth of flavor.
- Spinach Substitute: If you’re out of spinach, kale or arugula work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind that kale takes a little longer to wilt.
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little more heat.
- Protein Options: While chicken works wonderfully, turkey or shrimp are great alternatives for variety.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can make the gnocchi too soft.
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well since the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe, making it a quick and easy meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make homemade gnocchi for an extra special touch.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
What can I serve with this dish?
This skillet meal is already hearty, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but rich and satisfying enough to feel like a special treat. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s guaranteed to be a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially one that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate cozy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gnocchi, those soft little potato dumplings, soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s full of flavor in every bite. The addition of garlic and Parmesan gives the sauce a rich, savory depth, while a touch of cream makes it velvety smooth. The best part? Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to sit down and enjoy your meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a warm bowl of comfort, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal, especially one that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate cozy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gnocchi, those soft little potato dumplings, soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s full of flavor in every bite. The addition of garlic and Parmesan gives the sauce a rich, savory depth, while a touch of cream makes it velvety smooth. The best part? Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to sit down and enjoy your meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a warm bowl of comfort, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to the dish.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds so much extra flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce simmer for a minute or two until it thickens slightly.
Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet. The beauty of this dish is that the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky, cheesy goodness. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the gnocchi doesn’t stick.
Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the baby spinach and cooked chicken. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Notes
- Gnocchi Texture: If you like your gnocchi a bit firmer, cook it for a minute less. For extra softness, let it simmer for an additional minute or two in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
- Garlic Flavor: For a milder garlic taste, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. This gives the dish a slightly sweet and nutty depth of flavor.
- Spinach Substitute: If you’re out of spinach, kale or arugula work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind that kale takes a little longer to wilt.
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little more heat.
- Protein Options: While chicken works wonderfully, turkey or shrimp are great alternatives for variety.