Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 4 cloves garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil or unsalted butter; Italian seasoning

Published: August 8, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.
Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce elevates the simple ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different proteins.
Comfort Food: This hearty skillet dish is satisfying and comforting, perfect for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Cooking spoon
Measuring cups
Chopping board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of chicken and gnocchi without overcrowding.
Cooking spoon: A sturdy spoon is essential for stirring ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Gnocchi

1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)

For the Sauce

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

For Cooking

2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Optional Additions

1 cup spinach or kale
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. When hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Add Italian seasoning and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Add potato gnocchi directly into the sauce. Cook according to package instructions until they float to the top, usually around 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Final Touches

If using, stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not just delicious but also versatile. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the garlic.

With a Side Salad

Mixed Greens: Serve with a light mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette for balance.
Caesar Salad: Pair with a classic Caesar salad to add crunch and richness.

With Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Baguette Slices: Serve slices of crusty baguette for a delightful dipping option.

With Grated Cheese

Parmesan Cheese: Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan for added creaminess.
Feta Crumbles: Use feta for a tangy twist that contrasts well with the dish.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, consider these tips.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and high-quality gnocchi for superior flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi until they float; this ensures they remain tender.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste before adding more.
Sauté Garlic Carefully: Avoid burning garlic by cooking it on medium heat until fragrant.
Incorporate Greens Wisely: Add spinach or kale at the end to keep them vibrant and nutritious.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right away while it’s hot and creamy for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Complement your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with these delightful side dishes. They will enhance the overall dining experience.

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and roasted until crisp-tender.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing pairing.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf offers a healthy grain option that balances the creaminess of the skillet.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction provide a savory crunch alongside the dish.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs adds subtle flavors that complement the main dish perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet experience. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Using cold chicken: Starting with cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Overcooking gnocchi: Gnocchi should be cooked just until they float in boiling water. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, ruining the dish’s texture.
Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can make the dish bland. Remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Skipping fresh ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can lessen flavor. Opt for fresh garlic and consider adding fresh spinach or herbs for a vibrant finish.
Ignoring sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the gnocchi and chicken. Simmer it longer to thicken before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Make sure to separate portions for easy defrosting.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet that might help you out.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Store-bought gnocchi is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe. Just follow package instructions for cooking.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and leave out Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese option.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. This dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite—give it a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card