Craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s fast and flavorful? This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your new go-to! Juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce come together in just one pan—and in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner guests.
🧄 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the garlic:
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn). - Cook the gnocchi:
Add gnocchi, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes, until gnocchi is soft and tender. - Make it creamy:
Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Let simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Combine & serve:
Return chicken to the pan. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if using. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm.
💡 Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
- For more flavor, brown the gnocchi before simmering in broth.
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture, but shelf-stable works great too.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: skip the chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Sub half the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add bacon, kale, or peas for variety.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Thaw first and follow the same instructions. If cooking from frozen, extend simmer time slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the gnocchi may absorb sauce over time. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk and a little extra parmesan to thicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Serve with a side of roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
- Top with extra parmesan or lemon zest before serving for a bright finish.
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