Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic-infused sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures with minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy weeknights, its mild and creamy profile makes it family-friendly and easily customizable with veggies or spices.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Not gluten free as standard (contains potato gnocchi), can be adapted to Gluten Free with substitutions
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Carbohydrates
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Oils & Fats
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried or fresh)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Garlic: Lower the heat and add butter to the same skillet. Add freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Sauté the Gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy and golden on the outside but still soft inside.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the pan. Stir constantly to melt the cheese and thicken the sauce, coating every gnocchi and the pan’s surface.
- Combine and Simmer: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Add fresh spinach if using, letting it wilt gently into the sauce. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
- Lightly crisp gnocchi for delightful texture contrast with creamy sauce.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling and ensure silky texture.
- Add greens like spinach last to preserve color and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken, Gnocchi Skillet, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Creamy Sauce, Easy Recipe