If comfort food had a definition, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet would be it. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, making dinner a breeze and cleanup even easier. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a weeknight hero. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and is as satisfying as it is flavorful. The garlic-infused sauce ties everything together beautifully, while the gnocchi adds a unique twist that’s hearty and comforting. It’s also versatile—perfect as a stand-alone meal or paired with a simple side salad.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Gnocchi
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach or kale
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Cooking the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Garlic
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
Adding the Gnocchi
Toss the gnocchi into the skillet and cook for a few minutes, letting it brown slightly for added texture and flavor.
Making the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
Combining Everything
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the spinach or kale. Stir everything together and let the greens wilt in the sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Serving It Up
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use pre-cooked gnocchi to save time, or brown fresh gnocchi for added flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s done to keep it tender.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas make great additions.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce calories.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet pairs wonderfully with:
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the dish.
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Wine: Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio for a perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the gnocchi to become rubbery.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components (like the chicken and sauce) ahead and assemble when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to brown gnocchi?
A: Use a non-stick skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the gnocchi sit for a minute before stirring to develop a golden crust.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: The sauce may separate when reheated after freezing, so it’s better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a few days.
Conclusion
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor—perfect for any night of the week. Grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with this creamy, garlicky delight!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner, combining juicy chicken thighs and soft gnocchi in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce with spinach and mushrooms.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- For the Skillet:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup white mushrooms, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Red pepper chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom.
- Gradually add the half-and-half or heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Combine Gnocchi and Spinach:
- Add the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gnocchi and sauce.
- Let the skillet simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Serve:
- Garnish with red pepper chili flakes and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less half-and-half or cream according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg