Hey y'all! If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is about to become your new favorite. With juicy chicken, pillowy Gnocchi, and plenty of garlicky goodness all in one pan, it’s comfort food perfection—without a ton of fuss or dishes. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or craving a cozy meal, this dish totally delivers. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- One-pan wonder keeps cleanup easy and fast.
- Packed with garlicky, creamy flavor everyone adores.
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheese.
- Hearty, filling, and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (16 oz / 500g) package refrigerated potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 1 minute).
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the gnocchi and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden on the outside. Stir occasionally for even browning.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the Veggies and Chicken
- Stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes; cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing everything together until combined and heated through (about 2 minutes).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Notes
- For ultra-tender chicken, don’t overcook—once it’s no longer pink, remove it from the pan.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version (sauce may be thinner).
- Love extra veggies? Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Variations
- Creamy Pesto: Stir in 2 tablespoon of basil pesto just before serving.
- Spicy Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning with the salt and pepper.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add more veggies like roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Required Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce and gnocchi texture.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp, green salad and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted veggies make a perfect match.
Pro Tips
- Let the gnocchi get golden in the skillet—don’t rush this step for the best texture.
- Add cherry tomatoes at the end for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Grate your own Parmesan for melt-in-the-mouth creaminess.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it during step 5.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No, pan-frying straight from the package gives awesome flavor and texture without boiling.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk works well, but your sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then add them to the skillet. Cook until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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2In the same skillet, add the gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
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3Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
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5Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese is melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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