Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, comforting, and creamy one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with pillowy gnocchi in a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Not gluten-free by default (use gluten-free gnocchi for gluten-free option)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Carbs
- 1 package (about 16 oz) store-bought potato gnocchi
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Oils & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Gnocchi: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned. Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring gently, and cook until they start to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously to combine the garlic flavor into the sauce. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the gnocchi perfectly.
- Return Chicken and Add Spinach: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and nestle them back into the skillet. Add fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the sauce, adding lovely color and a touch of freshness.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend all flavors before serving hot.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed for a perfect sear every time.
- Use fresh garlic for a vibrant, robust flavor.
- Allow gnocchi to brown slightly for added texture instead of just boiling them.
- Keep the cream at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
- Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, skillet dinner, creamy chicken gnocchi, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe