The Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken gnocchi skillet can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Bold flavors dance across your plate with each perfectly seasoned bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between pillowy potato dumplings, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish, bringing restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and rich garlic infuse every morsel with irresistible depth.

Crispy edges and creamy textures make this skillet meal a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

We promise this recipe will become your new weeknight warrior, ready to impress without demanding hours of preparation.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, and keep the same cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or alternative flours, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
• Mediterranean Inspired Skillet: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap spinach for fresh arugula to create a Mediterranean-style variation.

What Goes Well with Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Cozy Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, family-style dinner that feels warm and inviting.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Transfer the gnocchi chicken to individual white plates, sprinkle extra parmesan and red pepper flakes on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious work lunch, enjoying the creamy dish at room temperature or gently reheated.
• Italian-Inspired Side Salad Pairing: Complement the rich skillet with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken gnocchi.

Best Storage for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Keep the leftovers in a shallow container to help cool the food faster and ensure even temperature distribution.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for extended periods to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time and ensure they’re fully thawed before adding to the skillet.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less parmesan cheese to reduce calories and fat content.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cooked shrimp, white beans, or extra chicken to boost the protein content of the skillet meal.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Sensation

• Savor Quick Comfort: This skillet meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet simple.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for kale, adding different proteins, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Pack Flavor in One Pan: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, restaurant-quality dish that comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Tender gnocchi and juicy chicken make this a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their dinner.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of the skillet meal.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide depth of flavor and subtle heat to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the chicken and sauce.

• Spinach: Brings fresh, green nutrients and color to the skillet.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a light, smooth base to the skillet.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce for the chicken and gnocchi.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.

Cooking Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss diced chicken into the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it develops a golden-brown exterior and is cooked through.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the skillet.

Stir the ingredients vigorously for about a minute, allowing the herbs and garlic to release their tantalizing fragrance and blend with the chicken.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Fluffy Gnocchi

Add gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi becomes tender and pillow-like.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens and Spice

Fold in fresh spinach and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and become vibrant green while the pepper flakes add a subtle kick.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the skillet contents to serving plates. Optional: Dust with extra parmesan cheese for added richness and visual appeal.

Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Expert Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein option and easiest preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior.
• Choose fresh gnocchi from refrigerated section for better texture compared to frozen varieties.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or reduce for mild flavor preference.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version of the dish.

Quick Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Pan-seared chicken and pillowy gnocchi create a creamy, herb-infused meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (1 pound) potato gnocchi
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped

Protein and Seasoning:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in heated olive oil over medium flame until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper during cooking.
2. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic and Italian seasoning, releasing aromatic flavors for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese until smoothly integrated.
4. Gently introduce gnocchi into the simmering liquid, covering the skillet and allowing them to become tender for 5-6 minutes.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach and red pepper flakes, stirring until greens wilt and blend seamlessly with the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer the skillet contents to serving plates, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese for enhanced richness and presentation.

Notes

• Swap out chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original dish.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
• Add roasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Reduce heavy cream and replace partially with Greek yogurt to lower calories while keeping the sauce luxuriously creamy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 770 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg