Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is a comforting one-pan Italian-inspired meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers hearty flavors with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Optional Garnish
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface and are tender, usually 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Liquids: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken and drained gnocchi to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- You can enhance flavor and texture by adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat; chicken breasts work well too.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi as they can become mushy.
