Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, garlicky, and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
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
- 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 fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the base flavor of the dish.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Chicken & Spinach: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Serve the skillet warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for richer flavor and smoother melting.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat with more juiciness.
- If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- No need to pre-boil the gnocchi; it cooks perfectly in the skillet with the sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes sparingly to control heat level according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: thirty two g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken skillet, one-pan dinner, quick chicken recipe, easy gnocchi recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food