Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is what comfort food dreams are made of. Imagine tender pan-seared chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety garlic cream sauce—all coming together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. It’s cozy, rich, and perfect for weeknights when you want something truly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Rich and Creamy: That garlic cream sauce is pure indulgence and perfectly coats every bite of gnocchi and chicken.
• Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes—yes, it’s that quick!
• Versatile: Dress it up with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a little flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible—and so easy:

• Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced for faster cooking and a tender bite. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi works beautifully and soaks up all the sauce.
• Garlic: Lots of fresh minced garlic infuses the entire skillet with deep, savory flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the silky, luxurious sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Butter and Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and layering in flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps loosen the sauce and adds savory balance.
• Spinach (optional): A handful of fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce if you want to sneak in some greens.
• Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: For seasoning the chicken and sauce—adjust to your taste.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty twists:

• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers add color and flavor.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the creamy sauce a subtle kick.
• Cheese Swap: Use pecorino romano or asiago instead of parmesan for a sharper edge.
• Protein Swap: Try it with shrimp, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for something different.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown!

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi and cook in the sauce for 4–5 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and starting to soak up the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Add Spinach (Optional)

If using spinach, toss it in and let it wilt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with extra parmesan on top if you like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the Chicken Well: A good sear adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: It only takes a few minutes to cook—once they’re soft and floating, they’re done.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced jars won’t give the same bold, aromatic flavor.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes far superior.

How to Serve

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are some serving ideas:

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright pop of color and freshness.

Bread:

A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy garlic sauce.

Salad:

Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

Wine Pairing:

A glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the cream sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce, so it may thicken a bit.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the creamy sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it first. Frozen gnocchi works just as well as shelf-stable or fresh. Thawing helps them cook evenly and prevents a watery sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, opt for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi (read the label carefully) and ensure your chicken broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free. Everything else should be naturally safe.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Cream-based sauces tend to thicken as they cool, so just warm it up and adjust the consistency to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is pure comfort in a pan—rich, garlicky, and ready in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. Try it once and it just might become your new go-to!

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