Name: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme), divided; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce make every bite deliciously indulgent.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with a creamy dish showing three main layers: plump gnocchi at the bottom, soft creamy beige sauce covering most of the dish with herbs mixed in, and browned pieces of chicken scattered on top. There are bright green chopped leafy herbs sprinkled over the dish with a light dusting of grated cheese. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning. Cook stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the chopped spinach. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Frozen chicken is fine if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Try swapping gnocchi for small pasta like gnocchetti, tortellini, or penne; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy sauce and prevent separation.

How to Serve

A round pan filled with a creamy dish showing three main layers: yellow gnocchi pieces scattered throughout, browned chunks of chicken positioned mainly on the top, and a thick, beige cream sauce that holds everything together. The sauce has visible small green herb slices mixed in, with additional shredded cheese and chopped green leaves sprinkled on top. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with part of a white cloth napkin visible under one handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, just make sure the chicken is completely thawed before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use cold water for a few hours, then pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?

Absolutely! Small pasta such as gnocchetti, tortellini, or penne work well. Just cook the pasta according to package directions and add it to the sauce in place of gnocchi.