Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Imagine the aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen as tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi brown to perfection in a single skillet. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet combines the comfort of Italian-inspired cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan meal. The rich, buttery sauce coats each piece of gnocchi while juicy chicken adds satisfying protein to this weeknight wonder. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and simple ingredients that create maximum impact on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is about to become your new favorite comfort meal for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder that goes from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The textural contrasts make each bite exciting – pillowy soft gnocchi against tender chunks of sautéed chicken, all enveloped in a silky, garlic-infused sauce that clings perfectly to every morsel. The gentle pop of sweet cherry tomatoes provides bursts of brightness that balance the rich, savory elements.

What truly sets this skillet meal apart is how it transforms humble ingredients into something that feels indulgent. The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, yet comes together in minutes. It’s sophisticated enough for company but easy enough for a Monday night dinner solution.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup (180ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The gnocchi provides a pillowy texture that absorbs the garlicky sauce beautifully. Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese that you grate yourself for the best flavor and melting properties.

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Sear: The key to this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet starts with properly cooked chicken. Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary – this allows each piece to develop a golden crust rather than steam. Resist the urge to stir constantly; let the chicken sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side for the best texture.

Gnocchi Technique: There’s no need to pre-boil your gnocchi! One of the magic elements of this dish is how the gnocchi cooks directly in the skillet. When pan-frying the gnocchi, allow them to get crispy edges before stirring. This slight caramelization adds incredible flavor depth and textural contrast to your dish. The inside stays tender while the outside develops a pleasing bite.

Sauce Perfection: To achieve the silky sauce that makes this dish memorable, add your cold cream slowly while continuously stirring. This prevents any separation and creates a smooth emulsion. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickly coats the back of a spoon. For extra flavor depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding your chicken broth, ensuring you scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season

Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this ensures proper browning. Season the cubed chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince your garlic and measure out all remaining ingredients so they’re ready to go. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes together quickly, so having everything prepped makes the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 3: Crisp the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the gnocchi in an even layer and cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to allow them to brown on one side. Toss and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they’re golden in spots. The gnocchi will finish cooking in the sauce, so it’s okay if they’re not completely tender yet.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Base

Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Gnocchi: Transform your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet by adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button work beautifully). Sauté them after cooking the chicken until golden and releasing their moisture. The mushrooms add earthy depth that complements the garlic and cream sauce perfectly. Finish with a touch of fresh thyme instead of basil for an autumnal twist.

Mediterranean-Style: Create a lighter version by replacing the cream with ½ cup of white wine and ¼ cup chicken broth. Add ½ cup of pitted kalamata olives, ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with crumbled feta instead of Parmesan. The briny olives and sweet concentrated tomatoes add incredible flavor dimension to this chicken gnocchi skillet variation.

Vegetarian Gnocchi Skillet: Skip the chicken and double up on vegetables for a hearty meat-free option. Add diced zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers to the skillet after crisping the gnocchi. The vegetables provide color, nutrition, and satisfying texture while keeping all the garlicky goodness that makes this skillet dish so popular.

Storage and Serving

Your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce, as the gnocchi tends to absorb liquid as it sits. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

For serving, consider pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the skillet. A side of garlic bread makes an excellent companion for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a special touch, serve directly from the skillet at the table, garnished with additional fresh basil and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

For a complete dinner experience, pour a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity will cut through the creamy sauce beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. There’s no need to thaw first – simply add 1-2 minutes to the initial cooking time. You may notice more moisture release, so allow it to evaporate before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

How can I make this recipe lighter?
To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use part-skim mozzarella instead of all the Parmesan, and increase the vegetables. You could also use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for more flavor while reducing the butter by half.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep components ahead: cube and season the chicken, slice the tomatoes, and measure out ingredients. If you need to make it completely in advance, undercook the gnocchi slightly, as they’ll continue to absorb moisture when stored.

What can I substitute for gnocchi?
If gnocchi isn’t available, try this skillet with cheese tortellini, orecchiette, or even small shell pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The garlic and chicken flavors will still shine through beautifully.

Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a silky garlic-infused sauce that wraps everything in a warm, flavorful embrace. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, proving that the most satisfying meals often come from the simplest ingredients treated with care.

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