Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought); 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative); ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup spinach or kale; Red pepper flakes

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi are combined in a rich garlic cream sauce, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

A close-up of a black bowl filled with a cooked chicken breast placed in the center, topped with chopped green herbs and black pepper. Around the chicken, there are small, golden gnocchi pieces, some tofu-like white chunks, and scattered bits of orange-colored cooked vegetables or bacon. The dish shows a mix of glossy textures from the sauce and steam is rising from the food, suggesting it is hot. The background is blurred with hints of green, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the gnocchi. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the creamy sauce. Stir in the spinach or kale if using, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and can offer a softer texture compared to store-bought varieties.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Wilt some fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the gnocchi from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a creamy dish with three main layers: at the bottom, small round gnocchi in a pale yellow color; in the middle, bright red cherry tomato halves and vibrant green spinach leaves mixed in; and on top, sliced golden-brown cooked chicken breast with visible seasoning. The dish is covered in a thick, light orange creamy sauce. A silver fork rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few whole cherry tomatoes nearby and a small wooden bowl with grated cheese in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet, or cook it directly in the skillet a little longer until heated through and golden.

What is the best way to prevent gnocchi from sticking together?

Cooking gnocchi in a lightly oiled skillet and stirring gently helps prevent sticking. If boiling fresh gnocchi, adding a bit of oil to the water and draining them promptly also helps keep them separate.