If you are craving a dish that combines creamy, savory, and fresh flavors all in one comforting skillet, you have to try this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. It brings tender, golden chicken together with pillowy gnocchi, bright spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s both simple to make and beautifully satisfying. This dish feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day and is perfect for those times when you want something elegant without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is easier than you might think because the ingredients are straightforward yet pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the tender chicken providing hearty protein to fresh spinach adding vibrant color and nutrients.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing to get that golden-browned chicken with a rich base flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star aroma and flavor that brings everything to life.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend of basil and oregano that complements chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings needed to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) refrigerated gnocchi: Pillowy soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the creamy sauce without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that indulgently smooth sauce that makes the dish so comforting.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brings a pop of green freshness and a gentle earthiness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of juiciness and a touch of sweetness that balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a final touch of color and brightness.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. This initial step is key to developing rich flavor and juicy texture.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Herbs
After the chicken is ready, push it to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, toss in the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Sauté them for about one minute just until you can smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen—this simple step elevates the whole dish beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce
Mix the garlic and chicken together evenly, then add the refrigerated gnocchi right on top. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine evenly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll soon see the sauce beginning to thicken and the gnocchi will float when they’re perfectly cooked—usually about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Tomatoes
Time to freshen things up by stirring in chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes soften just enough to release their sweet juices, perfectly blending with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a silky texture with a beautifully savory finish. Taste and adjust any seasonings with more salt or pepper as desired. Then, remove from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant, fresh finish.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that complements the garlic and cheese flavors perfectly. For an extra touch, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes offers visual appeal and a bit of spice if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables. A crusty bread or garlic knots are fantastic for mopping up the luscious sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist on presentation, serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe in rustic, individual cast iron pans right at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also turns this home-cooked meal into an elegant dinner party showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this skillet meal, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to mellow and blend even more, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freezing is possible but best done before adding the fresh spinach and tomatoes to avoid texture changes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce and keep the gnocchi tender. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well too. Just add a minute or two extra to cooking time, and don’t thaw it beforehand—add them straight to the skillet for the best texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is naturally mild but deeply flavorful. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up if you like a little heat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Heavier creams make the sauce luxuriously creamy, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just be aware the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
What can I do to make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or extra spinach and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The gnocchi and sauce remain just as satisfying without the meat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free gnocchi varieties easily found in many grocery stores today. Just double-check labels for any hidden gluten ingredients, and the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels special but comes together quickly with simple ingredients you may already have on hand. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. I seriously cannot recommend making this dish enough—grab a skillet, whisk up the sauce, and treat yourself to a cozy, delicious supper tonight!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken bites, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a flavorful garlic and Italian herb-infused sauce. It’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté garlic and herbs: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the chicken and garlic together, then add the refrigerated gnocchi to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything evenly, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook gnocchi: Let the gnocchi cook for 3-5 minutes until they begin to float to the top and the sauce thickens slightly, indicating readiness.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, adding freshness and color.
- Finish with cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a vibrant final touch.
Notes
- Use refrigerated gnocchi for quick cooking; if using frozen, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula depending on preference.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity—feel free to use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
