Description
A creamy, one-pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
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Protein & Base:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
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Seasonings & Aromatics:
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Sauce & Liquids:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Add-ins & Garnish:
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2 cups fresh spinach
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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If using, add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
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Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
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Add uncooked gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to coat.
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Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes until gnocchi becomes tender.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Stir in cooked chicken and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt.
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Add red pepper flakes if using, then adjust seasoning as needed.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Mushroom Twist: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan.
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Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
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Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure other ingredients are GF.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, creamy gnocchi skillet, one-pan chicken gnocchi, easy weeknight dinner, 30-minute skillet meal