This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a quick, comforting one-pan dinner that blends tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream. It smells of warm garlic and butter, tastes savory and slightly nutty from the Parmesan, and has a silky sauce that coats every bite. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s weeknight-friendly and feels special enough for guests.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 670 kcal
- Protein: 44 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This recipe gives you fast comfort food with minimal cleanup. Gnocchi cooks quickly and soaks up the garlicky, creamy sauce. The dish balances tender chicken with soft, pillowy gnocchi and bright spinach for color and a fresh finish. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or casual dinners.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This is a one-skillet method that builds flavor by browning the chicken, briefly sautéing garlic, simmering with broth, then finishing with cream and Parmesan. The spinach adds color and a light green texture. Follow the steps below for best results.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pat the diced chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken brown better. Mince the garlic and chop the spinach so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour in the 1 cup chicken broth and bring the pan to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions in the simmering broth until the gnocchi float to the top (usually 2–3 minutes). Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 4: Finishing
Mix in the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the skillet hot.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or cracked black pepper.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to cut the richness.
- For a heartier meal, add crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette.
- Wine pairing: a light Chardonnay or a dry Pinot Grigio complements the cream and garlic.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Cream sauces can separate when frozen. You can freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month, but expect some texture change. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with a little broth while whisking.
- Tip: If the sauce breaks when reheating, whisk in a small knob of butter or a splash of cream to bring it back together.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Dry the chicken pieces before cooking. Moisture prevents good browning.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They’ll become gummy if left too long. Remove them as soon as they float and are tender.
- Use low simmer heat when adding cream to avoid boiling, which can separate the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or reserved gnocchi cooking liquid.
- For extra flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Delicious Variations
- Mushroom & Thyme: Add sliced mushrooms with the chicken and toss in fresh thyme.
- Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tang and color.
- Bacon & Peas: Crisp chopped bacon first, remove, then cook chicken in bacon fat; add peas with spinach.
- Pesto Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons pesto at the end for a basil-forward flavor.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use a bit more broth; cook slightly longer to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes. Add frozen gnocchi directly to the simmering broth; they may need an extra minute or two to float and become tender.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Absolutely. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicier. Adjust cook time slightly if pieces are larger.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken. Note the sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Keep heat gentle after adding cream. Don’t boil. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Using fresh grated cheese also helps it emulsify better.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: You can freeze it, but cream sauces sometimes separate. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw and reheat slowly with extra broth while whisking to restore texture.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth. Skip the chicken and add protein like cannellini beans if desired.
Q: My gnocchi turned gummy. What happened?
A: Overcooking or stirring too often can make gnocchi sticky. Cook just until they float and test one for tenderness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is fast, comforting, and full of flavor — a perfect weeknight winner when you want something creamy and satisfying without fuss. If you’d like a similar idea or extra tips, check this related recipe: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30 Minutes, GF – Healthy Hearty …. Give it a try — you’ll love the warm garlic aroma and silky sauce. Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to tweak seasonings to make it yours.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick, comforting one-pan dinner blending tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-parmesan cream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Pat the diced chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the diced chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the top, usually 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix in the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
