
Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a quick and comforting meal made in just 30 minutes! Soft, pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together for a deliciously satisfying dish. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when I need something hearty but easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup.
Rich & Creamy: The garlic-infused sauce is velvety and packed with flavor.
Balanced & Satisfying: The mix of protein, veggies, and carbs makes it a complete meal.
Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), then stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein Swap: I sometimes use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Veggies: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini make great additions.
Dairy-Free Option: I substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for the heavy cream and Parmesan.
Spicy Kick: Extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce add some heat.
Gluten-Free: I use gluten-free gnocchi to keep it suitable for dietary needs.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the gnocchi can become mushy and the sauce may separate.
FAQs
How can I make this dish lighter?
I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version while still keeping it creamy.
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will make this dish even more delicious, but it does take extra time.
What can I serve with this dish?
I like to serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but I sometimes prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and add the gnocchi when reheating.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, I add a bit more chicken broth or a splash of milk while stirring.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, I can make it my own every time.