There’s nothing like a cozy, home-cooked meal that comes together in one pan. Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is one of those recipes that ticks all the boxes: creamy, garlicky, packed with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, and, best of all, ready in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish is a lifesaver.
Picture this: juicy bites of seasoned chicken, soft gnocchi cooked right in the creamy garlic sauce, and just enough spinach to make you feel virtuous without sacrificing flavor. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table pause and say, “Wow, this is good!”
I stumbled upon the idea for this recipe on a cold evening when I needed something quick but comforting. Gnocchi, with its tender, doughy texture, seemed perfect for soaking up a rich garlic sauce. Add some chicken for protein, spinach for a pop of green, and voila! A skillet full of happiness.
Let’s dive in and see why this dish is about to become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and flavorful: The garlic sauce is rich and indulgent, coating every bite of chicken and gnocchi.
- Kid- and adult-approved: Even picky eaters love the comforting flavors of this dish.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions
Calories per Serving: ~480
Key Nutritional Info:
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fats: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce and Gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken gets a nice sear. If needed, cook in batches.
2. Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and add it to the skillet at this stage.
3. Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
- Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. Cover and let it cook in the sauce for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Pro Tip: Cooking the gnocchi in the sauce instead of boiling it separately enhances the dish’s flavor, as the gnocchi absorbs the garlic and cream.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan, depending on your preference.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the skillet to the table and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice.
How to Serve
Here are some ideas to round out your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet meal:
- With bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- With salad: Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, tangy contrast.
- As-is: Honestly, this dish is so satisfying it doesn’t need any sides!
Additional Tips
- Use fresh gnocchi if you can: While store-bought is convenient, fresh gnocchi elevates this dish with its delicate texture.
- Customize the greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a slightly different flavor.
- Amp up the garlic: Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two to intensify the flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute the butter with olive oil.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing it to simmer gently helps the flavors meld and ensures a silky consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted butternut squash for a plant-based twist.
- Seafood Version: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon. Cook them separately, then fold them into the sauce at the end.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
- Herb Swap: Replace parsley with fresh basil or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version of this dish.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Gnocchi dishes can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet with a lid: Ensures even cooking and prevents the sauce from splattering.
- Microplane or box grater: For freshly grated Parmesan, which melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Garlic press: Speeds up prep time for mincing garlic.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh or shelf-stable varieties. No need to thaw—just add them directly to the skillet and extend the cooking time by a minute or two until they’re tender.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option. For an extra creamy texture without heavy cream, mix ¾ cup milk with ¼ cup cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but the best results come when the gnocchi is cooked fresh. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and add the gnocchi when you’re ready to serve.
Is this dish spicy?
Not as written—it’s mild and creamy, perfect for all ages. If you want to add a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning.
How do I keep the sauce from separating when reheating?
When reheating, use low heat and stir frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as it can cause the sauce to break.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Shred or dice it, then stir it into the sauce once the gnocchi is cooked to save time.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the regular gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi, available at many grocery stores. Check your chicken broth and Parmesan to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the gnocchi’s texture might change slightly after freezing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini would all complement the creamy sauce and gnocchi. Just sauté them before adding to the skillet for the best flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
This recipe is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A side of crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
Can I use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese. The result will still be delicious!
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments—I’m here to help you make the perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!
Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. It’s creamy, flavorful, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to impress.
Try it tonight and see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I’d love to see your version! Let me know in the comments what you think, and if you have any fun variations, I’m all ears. Happy cooking!