Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights while delivering creamy comfort and minimal cleanup. Versatile and kid-friendly, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free gnocchi)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Carbohydrates
- 1 package (about 16 oz) store-bought gnocchi
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown or burn to maintain bright flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add store-bought gnocchi directly to the skillet. Cook according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes per side, until the gnocchi is golden and slightly crispy, adding texture to the dish.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the chicken and gnocchi evenly.
- Add Greens and Finish: Toss in fresh spinach or kale and stir gently until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Once greens have softened, the dish is ready to serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches for a nice sear.
- Freshly minced garlic is key for intense flavor.
- Toast gnocchi to add a crispy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken skillet, quick weeknight dinner, one-pan meal, garlic sauce, comfort food, easy chicken recipe