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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

4.8 from 22 reviews

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.

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
  • 34 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken skillet, one-pan dinner, quick chicken recipe, easy gnocchi recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food