If you’ve ever wanted a hearty, soul-warming dinner that comes together fast but looks (and tastes!) like you’ve gone all out, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your new secret weapon. This irresistible one-pan meal combines pillowy gnocchi, golden seared chicken, dreamy garlic Parmesan cream sauce, and bursts of fresh spinach for a satisfying dish that makes any night feel special. Whether you’re feeding family after a long workday or treating friends to a cozy meal, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is guaranteed to become a regular request.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet shine: simple, honest ingredients that each lend their own flair. Every item in this recipe is easy to find, and together they create the kind of flavor you crave on repeat. Here’s what to gather for this skillet sensation:

Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Use fresh, shelf-stable, or refrigerated gnocchi for fluffy, tender bites that soak up all the creamy sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay juicy in every forkful.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken beautifully, adding depth and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Infuses richness into the skillet and builds the base for a truly luscious sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced (4): The aromatic heart of this dish—don’t skimp on the garlic!
Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds just the right savory notes, deglazing the pan and giving body to the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For a silky, luxurious texture that coats each gnocchi piece beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty, and essential for that true Italian-inspired finish.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that brings all the flavors together in harmony.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): The basics, but absolutely crucial for bringing out every flavor in the pan.
Baby spinach (2 cups): A pop of freshness and color that makes your skillet meal feel balanced and vibrant!
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds an inviting burst of green and a hint of herbal brightness right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so each piece gets that appetizing golden-brown crust. Once the chicken is cooked through and looks deliciously browned, transfer it from the skillet to a plate and keep it handy. This first step ensures the chicken stays juicy but gives every bite a golden edge.

Step 2: Toast the Gnocchi and Sauté Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the butter. Once it starts to melt and bubble, add your minced garlic and breathe in, because your kitchen is about to smell incredible! Sauté for about a minute (don’t walk away!), then add the uncooked gnocchi. Toss everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, toasting the gnocchi so they get a little color and a flavorful base note that’s so much more interesting than just boiling them!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce just starts to bubble. Let this goodness simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then—the gnocchi will plump up and the sauce will thicken into the creamy, glossy coating that makes this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet so mouthwatering.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken

Gently fold the cooked chicken back into the skillet and add those generous handfuls of baby spinach. The heat will wilt the greens in about 2 minutes, leaving you with a pan full of color and flavor. Once the spinach is tender and everything is warmed through, you’re ready to serve. This last burst of green really brightens the dish and makes the flavors pop!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garnishes

For the perfect flourish, sprinkle the finished Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with chopped fresh parsley. Not only does it add a pretty, restaurant-style touch, but it offers a subtle herbal lift that balances every creamy, savory bite. A final shower of extra Parmesan is always encouraged for cheese lovers, and if you like a little heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes can work wonders too.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is already a superstar on its own, but it loves a simple green salad on the side for fresh crunch. A slice of rustic garlic bread (to swipe up every last bit of sauce) truly makes dinner feel complete. If you’re serving a crowd, roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans round out the meal without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s nothing like serving Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet straight from the skillet—place it in the center of your table for family-style fun. To jazz things up, try spooning it into individual oven-safe bowls, topping with a little extra cheese, and broiling for a minute or two for a bubbly finish. Or portion it into ramekins for a cozy dinner party starter; it’s delicious any way you share it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is no small feat!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making lunches extra special the next day. Try to keep leftovers as airtight as possible to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet can be frozen, but for best results, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. The cream sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating usually brings everything back together. Freeze for up to 2 months and label the date for easy planning.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce, then warm the skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking, and add extra Parmesan to revive the creamy goodness. Individual servings also reheat well in the microwave, using 30-second intervals and a quick stir between bursts.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply add it when you would return the cooked chicken to the skillet; since it’s already cooked, it just needs to be heated through.

Is there a gluten-free version of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Yes, just swap the usual gnocchi for a gluten-free variety (they’re widely available) and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same and is naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter touch, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still deliciously creamy. You can also use a dairy-free alternative if needed, just note that the flavor will change a bit.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is super flexible. Try tossed-in sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of sliced bell peppers. Add them before the spinach so everything gets perfectly cooked.

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Be sure to simmer gently, not at a rolling boil, and stir occasionally. Toasting the gnocchi before simmering adds structure and flavor, helping them stay plump and tender without turning mushy.

Final Thoughts

With its comforting textures, beautiful color, and bold garlic-Parmesan flavor, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is love at first bite. If you’re ready for a new weeknight favorite—or just want something really delicious and easy for dinner—give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to meal. Your skillet (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and flavorful one-pan dish, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner option. Juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach come together in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Gnocchi:

1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh, shelf-stable, or refrigerated)

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 cups baby spinach
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season, and cook until browned. Remove from skillet.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add gnocchi, then broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.