Easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (One Pan, 30 Minutes!)
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (One Pan, 30 Minutes!)
Get ready for your new go-to weeknight hero: this incredibly creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. Imagine tender, golden bites of chicken and soft, pillowy potato gnocchi, all swirled together with fresh spinach in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce. The best part? This satisfying one pan gnocchi dinner comes together in just about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
This easy skillet dinner is all about layering flavors simply and efficiently. By using the same skillet to cook the chicken, toast the gnocchi, and build the sauce, every bit of delicious fond contributes to an incredibly flavorful creamy garlic chicken sauce. It’s a foolproof method for a restaurant-quality meal at home that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi
The simplicity of this chicken gnocchi skillet relies on a few key components.
- The Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- The Gnocchi: One 16-17 oz package of shelf-stable potato gnocchi.
- The Aromatics: Fresh garlic and yellow onion.
- The Greens: Fresh baby spinach.
- The Sauce: Chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
- The Seasoning: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfect garlic chicken gnocchi skillet every time.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry and season generously. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Toast Gnocchi
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes to lightly toast.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute. Reduce heat, stir in cream and Italian seasoning, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Finish the Skillet
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your skillet immediately, garnished with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
- Toast the Gnocchi: Lightly toasting the gnocchi before adding liquid gives it a better texture.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-grated cheese.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Common Questions (FAQs) About This Recipe
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or sliced Italian sausage.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead. For best results, cook and assemble just before serving.
What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi
This skillet is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Equipment
- Large Oven-Safe Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (16-17 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable package)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to skillet. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to skillet. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Ready for More Easy Dinners?
For another fantastic one-pan chicken dinner, check out our popular Easy Homemade Butter Chicken. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll adore our Philly Cheesesteak Soup Recipe.
This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is the ultimate comfort food, similar to the beloved versions you’d find on sites like Damn Delicious.
