Sizzling Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions like this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside soft, pillowy gnocchi in a rich, aromatic sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of herbs and robust garlic notes that dance across your palate.

Perfectly seared chicken creates a golden exterior that locks in incredible juiciness and texture.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a vibrant finishing touch to this one-pan marvel.

The skillet preparation means less cleanup and more time enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Serving Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Comfort Feast Pairing: Serve this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty flavors.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the skillet in a shallow bowl, sprinkle extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes on top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a gourmet touch.
• Wine Companion Selection: Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the dish's richness.
• Quick Bread Side: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and add extra texture to the meal.

Storing Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Leftovers

• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots in the gnocchi and chicken.
• Slowly reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from becoming dry or separated.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, allowing the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent ice crystals and maintain texture.

FAQs

• What makes this gnocchi skillet recipe unique?

This dish combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a restaurant-quality meal in just one pan.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them to control the heat level according to your preference.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding to the skillet and adjust cooking time if needed.

• What can I substitute if I don't have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as alternatives, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

What’s Great About Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a hearty, creamy chicken gnocchi skillet that satisfies hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing a complete meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and saving precious time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Craft a crowd-pleasing dish packed with rich garlic, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Adaptable Culinary Creation: Easily customize the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping spinach for other greens, or adding extra protein to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the skillet dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Spices and herbs that add depth and complexity to the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and provides a smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty pasta component of the dish.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and a pop of color to the skillet.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth finish to the dish and enhances overall flavor.

Cooking Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until each piece transforms into a beautiful golden brown, creating a delicious crusty exterior.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Scatter minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for about 60 seconds.

Let the garlic dance and release its incredible fragrance, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 3: Create Creamy Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir everything together, creating a luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Cook Gnocchi in Dreamy Sauce

Add gnocchi directly into the skillet.

Let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become tender and the sauce to thicken into a velvety coating.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Greens

Introduce butter and fresh spinach to the skillet.

Stir until spinach wilts and becomes a vibrant green, adding a fresh pop of color and nutrition.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the skillet directly to the table.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your own kitchen!

Tips for Savory Gnocchi Skillet

• Gently toss gnocchi in the skillet to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking with the creamy sauce.
• Crush fresh garlic instead of mincing for a more robust and aromatic garlic profile in the dish.
• Adjust sauce consistency by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding extra broth for a lighter texture.
• Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for versatile meal variations.
• Reduce or increase red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference without compromising the overall dish flavor.

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Variations

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Cream Option: Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carbohydrate meal.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet delivers Italian comfort with rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Starch:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Herbs and Garnish:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until they develop a rich, golden exterior and are thoroughly cooked through.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 45-60 seconds without browning.
3. Gradually pour chicken broth and cream into the pan, creating a smooth, integrated sauce that coats the chicken evenly.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and add a hint of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Gently fold gnocchi into the simmering sauce, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors and become tender for 4-6 minutes.
6. Drop butter into the skillet, creating a silky texture, then introduce fresh spinach and cook until leaves wilt and become vibrant green.
7. Allow the dish to rest for a moment, ensuring the sauce reaches optimal consistency and flavors meld together.
8. Transfer to serving plates, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
• Fresh spinach works best when added at the last minute, preserving its bright color and preventing wilting during extended cooking.
• Consider gluten-free gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the entire dish remains accessible to different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 534 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg