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
Scale
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.
