Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe: Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful garlic chicken gnocchi skillet takes less than thirty minutes and promises pure comfort.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a creamy, aromatic sauce.

Fragrant herbs and golden-brown edges create an irresistible invitation to dig in.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully seasoned bite, making this dish feel both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this elegant or taste so satisfying.

Crisp garlic notes dance between pillowy gnocchi and succulent chicken, creating a harmonious melody of flavors.

Come explore this simple yet impressive meal that will quickly become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet One Pan Favorite

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet One Pan Favorite
  • Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for other veggies, adjust seasonings, or include different proteins to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Comfort in a Skillet: Enjoy a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich flavors, creating a satisfying one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Use simple, affordable ingredients that come together to create a restaurant-quality dinner without breaking the bank or requiring complex cooking techniques.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Protein:
  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken pieces that provide a hearty and protein-rich base for the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and creamy texture to the skillet meal.
Carbohydrates:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that serve as the main starch in this comforting recipe.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich, smooth cooking base with deep flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic punch to the entire dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious, creamy texture to the skillet.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and traditional seasoning to enhance overall taste.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the meal.

Cooking Steps for Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

Cooking Steps for Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Gently stir the liquids together, creating a rich and velvety sauce that will coat every ingredient.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add gnocchi to the skillet and sprinkle in:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become perfectly tender and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Introduce the Cheese

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Let everything meld together for 2 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt and turn a vibrant green.

Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Tips for Savory Chicken Gnocchi Meals

  • Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for quick meal variations.
  • Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more nutrition and color.
  • Ensure gnocchi doesn't overcook by watching carefully during simmering and removing from heat immediately when tender.
  • Use room temperature cream and cheese for smoother, lump-free sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify herb aromatics.

Chicken Gnocchi Variations for Variety

  • Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based protein cubes, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato or cauliflower gnocchi, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute gnocchi with riced cauliflower or cauliflower gnocchi, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh basil to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation with enhanced Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.

Presenting Chicken Gnocchi Skillet for Family

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the steaming skillet directly on the table for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages family-style sharing.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy garlic chicken flavors.
  • Fresh Side Salad Companion: Add a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty skillet dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Crusty Bread Dipping Option: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and enhance the meal's enjoyment.

Storing Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with Ease

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed, avoiding overcooking gnocchi.

FAQs

  • Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time in the kitchen. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for the best texture.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is not spicy. It has a rich, creamy flavor with herbs and garlic that create a mild and comforting taste.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to maintain a gluten-free meal.

  • How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase protein by adding more chicken, or substituting with cooked shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken and pillowy potato dumplings in a rich, herb-infused sauce. Savory and satisfying, this Italian-inspired dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced

Main Carbohydrate:

  • 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) potato gnocchi

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  2. Reduce heat and melt butter in the same skillet, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the pan.
  3. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking gently to create a smooth, integrated sauce.
  4. Introduce pillowy gnocchi to the liquid, sprinkling Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper throughout. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes until gnocchi reaches a tender consistency.
  5. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the previously cooked chicken, letting the ingredients meld together for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and transform into a vibrant green accent. Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap gnocchi for gluten-free options like cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant and robust taste profile in the skillet.
  • Customize protein options by replacing chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for varied dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 527 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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