Description
A quick and easy one-pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender garlic-infused chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish delivers rich flavor and a cozy texture all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
Gnocchi and Vegetables
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Garlic and Aromatics
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing the rich garlic flavor that forms the sauce base.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi directly into the skillet with the garlic. Sauté gently until gnocchi turn golden and slightly crispy on the edges, usually 3–4 minutes, creating a desirable texture contrast.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally to blend all flavors.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add fresh spinach or kale if using, and stir until the greens wilt and the sauce evenly coats all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to get a proper sear.
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant and intense flavor.
- Allow gnocchi to brown undisturbed to develop a crispy exterior.
- Reserve some Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before serving.
- Adjust creaminess by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding broth/milk for a thinner sauce.
- Frozen gnocchi can be used; add extra cooking time to ensure they heat through and brown well.
- For reheating, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk; avoid microwaving to prevent gummy gnocchi.
- This recipe is customizable with additional vegetables or cheese substitutions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, one-pan dinner, creamy gnocchi recipe, quick weeknight meal, skillet gnocchi, comfort food
