Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines convenience with indulgent flavor, making it a family favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)garlic (minced)heavy creamchicken brothparmesan cheesebutterolive oilspinach (fresh or baby)onionsaltpepperItalian seasoning

directions

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.

Add gnocchi directly into the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer; cook gnocchi until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan, cooking until sauce thickens.

Add spinach and stir until wilted.

Slice cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15-18 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp for a different protein.

Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a twist on the greens.

Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.

Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Substitute half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it first and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works too—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can cook the chicken and chop the ingredients ahead of time for faster assembly.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi is done when it’s tender and slightly puffed; taste-testing is the best method.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

What type of pan works best?

A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet works great for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for extra color and nutrients.

How can I make it more cheesy?

Add extra parmesan or mix in mozzarella for a cheesier finish.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, garlicky, and satisfying with every bite. With just one pan and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious way to elevate your dinner routine with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.