If you love dishes that come together quickly but deliver on incredible flavor and comforting textures, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Tender, golden-browned chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach swim in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. Cherry tomatoes add pops of sweetness and color, while Parmesan cheese brings that perfect savory finish. This dish feels fancy but is simple enough to whip up any night, giving you a restaurant-worthy meal right from your skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe has a role to play, whether it’s adding depth to the sauce, texture to the gnocchi, or brightness to the whole dish. The beauty of this recipe is in using straightforward, fresh ingredients that combine effortlessly to create something magical on your plate.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): These soft, pillowy dumplings become beautifully tender and soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps crisp up the chicken for that inviting golden color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-sized pieces): Provides lean protein and soaks up the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming spice to the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil for depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The star flavor that infuses the whole skillet with its irresistible aroma.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Offer juicy bursts of sweetness and a beautiful splash of color.
- Baby spinach (1 1/2 cups): Adds vibrant green freshness and wilts down into the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Gives the sauce subtle savory notes and helps balance the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds extra richness and carries the garlic’s flavor beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a touch of heat that’s optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of spice.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions. This is usually just a few minutes until they float to the top, indicating they are perfectly tender. Drain and set them aside so they’re ready to marry with the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked all the way through. This step locks in a delicious crust and juicy interior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté just for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic turns fragrant and slightly golden, releasing that classic aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Throw in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften and release their juices. This adds a lovely, fresh sweetness. Then stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, adding vibrant green color and a nutritious boost.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the liquids start to thicken slightly while blending all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked gnocchi and chicken to the skillet, stirring well so every piece is coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir until the sauce thickens just a bit more and clings to the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.
Step 7: Serve
Once everything is warm and the sauce is thickened, you’re ready to dish up this comforting skillet meal. Serve it hot, fresh from the pan—trust me, every spoonful will be a delight!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped parsley instantly elevates the dish, adding brightness and a professional touch to your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving also adds a lovely sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The crisp textures and fresh flavors balance the creaminess, making every bite more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a special occasion, serve the skillet directly at the table for a rustic, family-style vibe. Alternatively, divide into individual oven-safe dishes and broil for a couple of minutes to develop a golden, bubbly top—an irresistible presentation twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe, it’s best to do so before adding the cream sauce for optimal texture. Freeze the cooked chicken and gnocchi separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating and adding sauce fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream sauce from splitting. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly and cooks quickly in boiling water. Just follow the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes to add a mild kick. You can easily omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey or even cooked sausage would be delicious alternatives. For a vegetarian take, try crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when reheating?
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious without curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving an easy, satisfying meal that feels special without fuss. The combination of tender gnocchi, flavorful chicken, and that dreamy garlic cream sauce is comforting every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this skillet dinner promises smiles all around. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every bite of this cozy, delicious creation!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes all simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal combines Italian-inspired flavors with easy preparation for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Combine Gnocchi and Chicken: Return the cooked gnocchi and chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Serve: Serve the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use fresh gnocchi if available for a softer texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
- Adding a splash of white wine before the cream can add extra depth of flavor if desired.
