Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is comfort food magic in one pan. Tender, juicy chicken bites, pillowy soft gnocchi, and a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce all come together in less than 30 minutes. The Parmesan brings a nutty depth, while a hint of fresh greens gives a welcome burst of color and flavor. Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the kind of cozy, weeknight supper you’ll want to make again and again—and, best of all, it tastes like restaurant-quality food with almost zero fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is in its simplicity—each ingredient is intentionally selected to deliver bold flavor, irresistible texture, and a little flair. Don’t skip anything if you want that wonderful harmony of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and ultra-tender bites.
• Potato Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi makes this dish speedy, but you can use fresh if you have it for an even fluffier result.
• Garlic: Four cloves infuse the sauce with a rich, aromatic backbone—don’t be shy!
• Heavy Cream: This is what creates that dreamy, velvety sauce; use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory notes and keeps the sauce from getting too thick; swap for veggie broth if you prefer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and irresistible when melted into the sauce.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Your choice—either adds just enough richness and helps everything brown beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: An easy flavor boost with a mix of classic herbs—oregano, basil, and thyme unite!
• Spinach or Kale (optional): For a pop of green and extra nutrition—your secret weapon against dinner monotony.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening every bite.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Crave a gentle kick? Sprinkle these for a subtle, warming heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s warming, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a good dusting of Italian seasoning. Add them to the hot pan and sear until they’re golden on the outside and perfectly cooked inside, about six to seven minutes. Don’t rush this—those caramelized edges are packed with flavor! Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

In the same skillet (no need to clean it out—that flavor is precious!), add your remaining olive oil and toss in the gnocchi. Let them sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get beautifully golden and crispy. Stir occasionally for three to four minutes total, then scoop the gnocchi out and set aside with the chicken. Crisped gnocchi makes the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet extra irresistible.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add minced garlic directly into that empty skillet, letting it sizzle for one to two minutes until fragrant but not brown. Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape up those delightful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking for another two to three minutes—watch as it transforms into a thick, glossy, cheesy sauce you’ll absolutely love.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return both the cooked chicken and gnocchi to your skillet, using a spatula to gently fold them through the sauce until everything is coated. If you’re adding spinach or kale, toss it in now, stirring just long enough for it to wilt and turn that gorgeous, vibrant green. Everything should feel cozy and well-mingled in the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet at this stage.

Step 5: Serve

Turn off the heat, give the dish a final taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls and don’t forget a shower of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you love that chef’s touch. Eat immediately while piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garnishes

Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet absolutely shines with a few thoughtful garnishes. A handful of chopped parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and maybe some cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes elevate the dish from rustic to restaurant-worthy in seconds. It’s all about those finishing details!

Side Dishes

Pair your skillet masterpiece with a crisp green salad dressed in a zingy vinaigrette for balance, or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Crusty bread is a classic for mopping up the luscious sauce—trust me, everyone will want to!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet family-style, straight from the pan for that big, homey appeal, or plate it individually with careful swoops of sauce. Go for shallow pasta bowls if you want to showcase all those textures and colors. For a date night twist, add a glass of chilled white wine beside each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making lunch tomorrow something to truly look forward to.

Freezing

While the sauce is at its creamiest when fresh, you can freeze the finished dish if needed. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet back to life, gently rewarm on the stove over low heat with a splash of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave works too—just beware of overcooking the chicken and gnocchi.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it with the gnocchi in step four. It’s a huge time saver and still brings all the classic Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet flavors.

Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?

Yes, you can easily find gluten-free potato gnocchi at many grocery stores. Check the label on your broth and any seasonings to keep the whole meal gluten-free.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Of course—swap in half-and-half for a lighter version, or use a thick dairy-free cream (like coconut or cashew-based) to keep it lactose-free. The sauce will still turn out silky and delicious.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are all fantastic additions. Toss them in with the spinach/kale or sauté before starting the sauce for extra layers of flavor.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?

If your sauce starts to thicken more than you’d like during simmering or reheating, simply stir in a splash of cream or broth until it loosens up. The Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is forgiving, so you can tailor the consistency to your liking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, give this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet a place in your dinner rotation. I promise, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s such a crowd-pleaser—don’t be surprised if friends and family start requesting it on repeat!

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