Here's a delicious and comforting Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pieces of juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

I first discovered this dish when I needed a quick dinner that still felt indulgent. After a few tweaks, it became a staple in our home. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, yet it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive in.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, one-pan meal. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and convenience.

This dish is incredibly quick to make. The entire meal comes together in just half an hour, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

It’s also a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Everything – the chicken, gnocchi, and creamy sauce – cooks in a single skillet, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

The flavor is next-level creamy and garlicky. The sauce coats every bite of gnocchi, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. It's indulgent without being too heavy.

Plus, it’s family-friendly and versatile. You can easily switch up the protein, add veggies, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish both delicious and satisfying.

Let’s talk about the gnocchi. Store-bought potato gnocchi works beautifully here, cooking up soft and pillowy while soaking up all the creamy sauce. You don’t need to pre-boil it—just let it simmer in the skillet for the perfect texture.

For the chicken, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and stay tender, especially when seared properly. If you want even more flavor, you can swap in chicken thighs.

The garlic is the real star. Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with its rich, savory aroma. Don’t skimp on it—four cloves provide the best balance of flavor.

The cream sauce is made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The broth keeps it from being too thick, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite that ties everything together.

You’ll also need butter and olive oil for cooking, plus a bit of spinach for color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen will work in a pinch—just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a go-to for quick and delicious dinners.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, letting them melt together. Once the butter starts to bubble, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this adds incredible flavor to the sauce.

Now, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting everything come to a gentle simmer. Add the gnocchi directly to the pan, stirring to coat. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Once the gnocchi is ready, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, mixing everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is now ready to serve! The entire dish takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well for a few days and reheats beautifully.

For refrigeration, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it back to life.

For freezing, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a little extra cream or broth, stirring occasionally until heated through. The microwave works as well, but using the stovetop helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences.

If you want to switch up the protein, try using shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken. Both pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

If you’d like to add more vegetables, try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. They add extra flavor and texture without much extra effort.

For a gluten-free option, check that your gnocchi is gluten-free—many store-bought brands offer a suitable version.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect go-to meal no matter what you have on hand. Enjoy!