Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

The Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken gnocchi skillet promises an evening of pure culinary delight.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Soft potato dumplings nestled alongside tender chicken create a comfort meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant herbs and golden-brown edges hint at the magic waiting in your pan.

Quick ingredients blend seamlessly, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.

Aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with irresistible anticipation.

Dive into this simple yet impressive dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Delight

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Delight
  • Simplify Your Cooking: One-pan magic transforms dinner into a hassle-free feast with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Create Comfort Quickly: Creamy, hearty gnocchi combined with tender chicken delivers a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap spinach for other greens, or add extra cheese to match personal taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved ingredients and mild seasonings make this dish a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children without complicated preparations.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the skillet dish.
Main Carbohydrate:
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a comforting and hearty base for the recipe.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with depth and warmth.
Liquid Components:
  • Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Help develop the sauce and prevent sticking while adding moisture.
Optional Heat and Freshness:
  • Red Pepper Flakes, Baby Spinach: Add a touch of spice and fresh green color to the dish.

How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.

Quickly sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a delightful fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking the liquids together to create a smooth, rich sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi And Cheese

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and gnocchi, stirring carefully to ensure each potato dumpling gets coated with the creamy sauce.

Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender and pillowy.

Step 5: Incorporate Final Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add:
  • Baby spinach
  • Red pepper flakes

Cook until the spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green, creating a beautiful contrast in the dish.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the skillet directly to the table, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Insider Advice on Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

  • Opt for store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on your time and preference.
  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Use fresh baby spinach for best texture and vibrant green color in the final dish.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the meal from becoming too salty.
  • Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

  • Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Bowl: Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi Option: Use cauliflower gnocchi or riced cauliflower as a lower-carbohydrate substitute, maintaining the creamy garlic sauce and protein elements.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, keeping the overall flavor profile intact.

Side Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this rich, creamy gnocchi skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, family-style dinner that feels warm and inviting.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate individual servings on white dishes, garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a sophisticated touch.
  • Quick Lunch Remix: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day meal, with the flavors melding together even more intensely overnight.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy chicken gnocchi and add extra texture to the meal.

Proper Storage for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Storing Leftovers:
  • Refrigerate the skillet dish in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Separate chicken and gnocchi from spinach to maintain better texture.
  • Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • What does gnocchi taste like?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy potato dumplings with a mild, slightly starchy flavor that absorbs the sauce’s taste. They have a delicate, tender texture similar to soft dough.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can easily adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb mix for similar flavor.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Home cooks can savor hearty protein and pillowy pasta nestled in rich, herbed sauce within thirty minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) potato gnocchi

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat (375°F) until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and Italian seasoning for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a luxurious sauce. Gently whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and gnocchi, ensuring each pillow is evenly coated. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until gnocchi becomes tender and slightly plump.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet, add baby spinach and red pepper flakes. Stir until spinach wilts and ingredients are thoroughly heated.
  6. Plate immediately, topping with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose firm, pre-cooked gnocchi to prevent mushy texture during quick cooking.
  • Opt for homemade or store-bought rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor and quicker preparation.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version, ensuring sauce still remains creamy.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes for bolder, spicier kick if you enjoy more heat in your dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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