Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Creamy, Garlicky One-Pan Wonder That Will Become Your New Family Favorite 🍗🧄✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a delicious, comforting meal that comes together in just one pan? This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution that combines tender, juicy chicken with pillowy soft gnocchi in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy one-pan wonder is packed with incredible flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of golden brown chicken, perfectly cooked gnocchi, and that irresistible garlicky sauce creates a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying – perfect for those busy nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you love quick and easy chicken recipes as much as we do, you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner rotation. It’s just as comforting as our popular creamy chicken noodle soup, but with an Italian-inspired twist that makes it feel extra special.
2. Ingredients
What makes this garlic chicken gnocchi recipe so special is the combination of simple ingredients that create incredible depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 lb chicken breast, cubed (boneless, skinless for best results)
1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable both work well)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a true garlic lover!)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cups fresh spinach (packed – it wilts down significantly)
1 cup high-quality chicken broth (for maximum flavor)
½ cup heavy cream (creates that luxurious sauce)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or your favorite herb blend)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds color and freshness)
For more delicious dinner ideas that use simple ingredients, check out our collection of family-friendly meals.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and continue sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes more. Be careful not to burn the garlic – you want it golden and aromatic, not bitter. This creates the flavorful foundation for your garlic chicken gnocchi recipe that will infuse every bite with deliciousness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet, spreading it out in an even layer. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a nice golden crust, then flip and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through (about 6-8 minutes total). The chicken will absorb all those wonderful garlic flavors from the pan, creating a perfect base for your gnocchi. If you’re looking for another comforting chicken dish, try our homemade ramen recipe.
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi
Now it’s time for the star of the show – the gnocchi! Stir in the gnocchi (no need to boil first) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly and develop a light crust. The gnocchi will soak up the delicious flavors from the chicken and garlic, making this garlic chicken gnocchi recipe extra flavorful. If you love comforting pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our cinnamon roll bliss bars for dessert.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add the fresh spinach – it might seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down beautifully. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, the spinach is wilted, and the gnocchi is perfectly tender. The result is a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats every bite of this delicious garlic chicken gnocchi. For a holiday version of this comforting dish, try our Christmas custard pie for dessert.
4. Cooking Tips
To make sure your garlic chicken gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
Garlic hack: For extra depth of flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh – it adds a wonderful sweetness
Heat lovers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick
Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter version (the sauce will be slightly thinner)
Gnocchi note: Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than packaged – adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent mushiness
Cheese tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan – the pre-shredded kind doesn’t melt as smoothly
Serve this garlic chicken gnocchi recipe hot right from the skillet, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. The presentation is beautiful and rustic – perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. Here are some perfect pairings:
Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness
Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce
Wine: A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the garlic flavors
Vegetable: Roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition
While this garlic chicken gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how to reheat it perfectly:
Microwave method: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Stovetop method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream, stirring frequently until heated through.
Important note: The gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid when stored, so you’ll likely need to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency. For another great make-ahead meal, try our no-bake cheesy bread.
7. Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4 generously):
The beauty of this garlic chicken gnocchi recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty meatless meal
Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for some heat
Extra creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese at the end for an ultra-rich sauce
Cheese lovers: Mix in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese for extra gooeyness
Protein swap: Try shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi (available at most grocery stores now)
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet truly is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup. The combination of tender, golden-brown chicken, pillowy soft gnocchi, and that rich, garlicky cream sauce creates a dish that’s irresistible to both kids and adults alike. What makes this garlic chicken gnocchi recipe so special is how the simple ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary with just a little time in the skillet.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight when time is tight, or preparing a cozy weekend dinner when you want something special without too much effort, this dish delivers on all fronts. The flavors are sophisticated enough to impress guests, yet simple enough to become part of your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home – your family will thank you!
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, garlicky one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-infused sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is packed with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 lb potato gnocchi
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
Add cubed chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
Stir in gnocchi and cook until slightly browned (2-3 minutes).
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, add spinach. Simmer until sauce thickens (5-7 minutes).
Stir in Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than packaged – adjust time accordingly.
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days, adding broth when reheating.
