Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce for an easy and satisfying meal. This comfort food classic is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare. The recipe delivers a rich, flavorful dish in under 30 minutes, with no need to boil the gnocchi separately—everything cooks together in the same skillet for maximum convenience and flavor.

The marriage of golden-browned chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a garlic-infused cream sauce makes this skillet dinner irresistible. It’s a balanced meal that’s packed with protein, carbs, and greens, leaving everyone at the table satisfied. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just feed your family on a busy evening, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This entire meal comes together in one skillet in just 25–30 minutes, perfect for weeknight cooking.
Minimal Cleanup: No need for multiple pots or pans—this one-skillet recipe simplifies both cooking and cleaning.
Packed with Flavor: The garlic cream sauce is rich, savory, and the perfect complement to the chicken and gnocchi.
Comfort Food: Soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce make this dish the ultimate comfort meal.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients, like using turkey instead of chicken or adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving size: 1 portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Skillet:

1 tbsp butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach
Optional: ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Additional grated Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the spices to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it, incorporating all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Add the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the Gnocchi

Stir the gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors of the sauce as they soften.

5. Incorporate the Parmesan and Spinach

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1–2 minutes. If using sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in at this stage.

6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak up the creamy garlic sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan. Serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Chicken breast is a lean protein that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or use leftover shredded chicken for convenience.

Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Store-bought gnocchi work perfectly in this recipe, but if you have time, homemade gnocchi will add an extra touch of authenticity.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the cream sauce.

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. Baby spinach is particularly tender and works best in this dish.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, make sure the pieces are in a single layer in the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
Deglazing the Pan: Scraping up the browned bits after cooking the chicken adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
Simmer the Sauce Gently: Avoid boiling the sauce, as it can cause the cream to separate. A gentle simmer is all you need.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Baked Gnocchi Skillet: Transfer the cooked gnocchi and chicken mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Individual Portions: Serve the gnocchi in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a personalized presentation.
Side Dish Style: Omit the chicken and serve the creamy gnocchi as a side dish alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

Additional Tips for Success

Pre-Cut Ingredients: Prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This recipe comes together quickly, so having everything ready will make it easier.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan cheese from a block provides a better texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Add Lemon Zest: For a touch of brightness, add a pinch of fresh lemon zest to the sauce just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Add thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Spicy Chicken Gnocchi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tomato-Basil Gnocchi: Stir in a few cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a light, summery twist.
Keto Version: Use cauliflower gnocchi instead of traditional gnocchi to reduce carbs.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing

While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Transfer the cooled gnocchi and chicken mixture to an airtight container and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a bit of liquid to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added nutrients.
Skip the Butter: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings. Serve it alongside:

A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a sophisticated pairing.

Special Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Microplane grater (for Parmesan and optional lemon zest)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. There’s no need to thaw it—just add it directly to the sauce and cook as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream works well.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

4. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

5. What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Turkey, shrimp, or sausage are great substitutes. You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

6. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! Replace ¼ cup of the chicken broth with dry white wine for an extra layer of flavor.

7. Why is my sauce too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.

8. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes! Gruyere, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano are excellent alternatives to Parmesan.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich garlic sauce makes this meal a standout option for weeknights or special occasions. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your taste. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this skillet meal is destined to become a family favorite.