Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

A Creamy, One-Pan Dinner for Cozy Nights

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce—all cooked in one pan for an easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty yet simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience – Less mess, more flavor!
• Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Creamy and Flavorful – A garlic-packed sauce with a touch of parmesan.
• Hearty Yet Elegant – Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

4. Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. If using, add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

8. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring well to coat.
9. Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender.

Step 4: Combine Everything

10. Stir in the cooked chicken and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt.
11. Add red pepper flakes if using, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
12. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Variations and Additions

• Mushroom Twist – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Stir in shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan for added richness.
• Protein Swaps – Try shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Lightened-Up Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent gnocchi from getting mushy?

Use store-bought gnocchi directly in the sauce without pre-boiling it. It will cook perfectly by absorbing the flavors.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade gnocchi all work well. Avoid frozen gnocchi unless thawed first.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately.

What should I serve with this?

A simple green salad and garlic bread pair beautifully.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Will this work with gluten-free gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or peas would be delicious additions.

Is this spicy?

Not really, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

It’s best made on the stovetop, but you can cook the sauce and chicken in a slow cooker, then stir in the gnocchi at the end.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with comforting flavors. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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