Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – A Creamy One-Pan Wonder

Introduction

When you need dinner fast but still crave comfort and flavor, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your go-to. It’s creamy, garlicky, and loaded with juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and spinach — all made in a single skillet in about 30 minutes.

No need to pre-boil the gnocchi — everything cooks together in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food with weeknight simplicity.

Ingredients List

For the Skillet:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Optional: Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add gnocchi directly to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the spinach and Parmesan. Stir until spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Perfect with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving – serves 4)

Calories: ~520
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 550mg

Tips for Success

Use pre-cooked chicken: For even faster prep, use rotisserie chicken.
Don’t overcook gnocchi: It cooks quickly and becomes gummy if overdone.
Add veggies: Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes pair well with this dish.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty garlic bread or focaccia
Caesar or arugula salad
Roasted asparagus or green beans on the side
A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much liquid: Gnocchi releases starch and thickens the sauce, so don’t overdo the broth or cream.
Undercooking chicken: Make sure it’s cooked fully before removing it in Step 1.
Skimping on seasoning: Taste and adjust at the end for the perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended — gnocchi texture can become mushy when frozen and thawed.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is everything you want in a comfort meal — rich, creamy, flavorful, and made in one pan. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for the family or a quick weeknight treat, this dish checks all the boxes.

Tried it? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out — and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy skillet dinners!