Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

There are some dinners that instantly transport you to your happy place—and this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is one of them. Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken nestled in pillowy gnocchi, all coated in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s cozy, comforting, and totally irresistible.

The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, so cleanup is blissfully easy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night at home, or just craving something soul-warming after a long day, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.

If you love creamy comfort foods like creamy chicken alfredo or Tuscan chicken pasta, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet.

Quick Recipe Card

Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~520 per serving
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, potato gnocchi, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧄 Incredible flavor: Every bite bursts with garlicky, buttery, cheesy goodness.
• 🥘 One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in one skillet.
• 🕒 Quick and easy: Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family favorite: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
• 🍝 Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or meal prep.
• 💡 Restaurant-quality: Feels fancy, but super easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs also work for extra juiciness.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star ingredient. Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi – Store-bought works great, but fresh gnocchi adds a softer texture.
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Creates that luscious, velvety sauce.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Balances out the creaminess.
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Don’t skip fresh-grated! It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• 1 cup baby spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste – Simple seasoning that ties it all together.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Optional, but enhances that cozy, homey flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle heat kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

🔥 Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures that gorgeous golden sear instead of steamed chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
   Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic turns bitter fast!

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the garlic butter.
2. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the gnocchi start to get golden edges.

🍞 Why this step matters: Browning the gnocchi adds a toasty flavor and helps them hold their texture in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Spinach

1. Return the cooked chicken (and its juices) to the skillet.
2. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach.
3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan make a huge difference. Pre-minced garlic and powdered cheese just don’t deliver the same flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi

Once the gnocchi float or turn golden, they’re done! Overcooking can make them mushy.

3. Brown the Chicken Properly

Let the chicken sear without stirring too much—you want those golden bits at the bottom (they add flavor to your sauce).

4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency

If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

5. Use a Large Skillet

The gnocchi need space to cook evenly and get that perfect texture.

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brightens up the rich sauce beautifully.

Variations & Substitutions

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower instead.

Dairy-Free Option

Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Gluten-Free Swap

Choose certified gluten-free gnocchi (many brands like DeLallo or Trader Joe’s have options).

Add Veggies

Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or peas for a burst of color and sweetness.

Protein Variations

Try swapping chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Simple side salad with balsamic dressing for freshness.
• Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for extra veggies.
• Crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio) if you’re feeling fancy!

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly when reheated (just stir well).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Burning the garlic – It cooks fast; keep the heat medium-low.
2. Using pre-grated cheese – It won’t melt smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
3. Adding spinach too early – It will overcook and turn mushy.
4. Skipping the browning step – That golden crust on chicken and gnocchi adds major flavor.
5. Letting the sauce boil too hard – It can curdle the cream. Simmer gently!

FAQ – Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then add the gnocchi and reheat when ready to serve. Add a splash of cream or broth before reheating.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Absolutely. No need to thaw—just cook it directly in the skillet a few minutes longer.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese works great. For a lighter version, use evaporated milk.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of chili paste.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi are usually a hit with kids.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to ensure everything cooks evenly.

7. How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan or let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes uncovered.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about creamy, garlicky comfort food made in one pan. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet has all the rich, cozy vibes of a restaurant-quality meal—but it’s simple enough for any weeknight.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe is the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table.

So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and give this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi recipe a try tonight—you deserve it.

If you loved this, try my Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, or Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet next!