If you’ve ever stared into your fridge after a long day, willing dinner to magically appear, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is about to become your new best friend. I swear by one-pan meals—fewer dishes, less stress, and maximum flavor all in one go. This creamy, garlicky wonder comes together in 30 minutes flat, with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach swimming in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of meal my family begs for on busy weeknights, and honestly? I’m happy to oblige. One skillet, zero regrets—just pure comfort food magic.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this dish checks ALL the boxes for the perfect weeknight dinner:
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal (or, let’s be honest, collapse on the couch)
- Creamy comfort: That garlic-Parmesan sauce coats every bite with cozy, restaurant-worthy richness
- 30-minute magic: Faster than takeout, but tastes like you spent hours simmering
- Balanced bites: Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach make every forkful interesting
Trust me—once you try this skillet, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. My kids even eat the spinach (shh, don’t tell them it’s good for them)!
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy dream come true – I’ve learned through trial and error that quality matters here:
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect golden sear on the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks work best)
- 1 tsp paprika + 1 tsp Italian seasoning – my favorite flavor boosters
- 1/2 tsp each salt & black pepper – season as you go!
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi – shelf-stable works great, no need to boil first
- 2 cups chicken broth – low sodium preferred so you control the salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce luxuriously rich
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cups fresh spinach – packed measure (it wilts way down, promise)
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is non-negotiable in my book)
Pro tip: Have everything prepped and ready before heating the skillet – this dish moves fast once you start cooking!
Equipment Needed
Here’s all you’ll need to pull this off:
- 12-inch deep skillet – nonstick or cast iron (my personal favorite for that perfect sear)
- Wooden spoon – gentle on the pan and gnocchi
- Measuring cups/spoons – eyeballing the cream never ends well for me!
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet comes together like a dream if you follow these simple steps. I promise it’s easier than it looks – just watch how the magic happens right in your pan!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First things first – heat that olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers (about 1-2 minutes). Now, add your cubed chicken in a single layer – don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam instead of sear! Let those beautiful golden-brown spots form before stirring, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken should be cooked through with no pink in the center when you cut into a piece. Oh, that sizzle sound? Music to my ears!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Okay, here’s where the magic starts – push the chicken to one side and add your minced garlic to the cleared space. This trick prevents burning! Stir constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant – any longer and garlic turns bitter. Now mix in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, coating everything evenly. Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now!
Step 3: Simmer Gnocchi
Time for the gnocchi! Dump the whole package into the skillet along with the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, then bring it to a lively simmer (those bubbles should roll when you stir). Lower the heat to medium and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will plump up as it absorbs the flavorful broth – that’s when you know it’s perfectly tender!
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Now for the grand finale! Pour in that glorious heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently as the sauce thickens – about 2 minutes. Last but not least, add the fresh spinach in handfuls, letting each batch wilt slightly before adding more. Watch how those bright green leaves transform in seconds! Give everything one final gentle toss, then immediately remove from heat. The spinach will continue to soften from the residual heat without turning mushy.
Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Fresh garlic is key – that pre-minced jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same flavor punch
- Don’t overcook the spinach – it wilts fast, so add it last and let residual heat do the work
- Deglaze if needed – if brown bits stick when adding broth, scrape them up for extra flavor
- Freshly grate your Parmesan – the pre-shredded stuff won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce
Oh, and always taste before serving – sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or garlic powder if I want more oomph!
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings! Here are my favorite twists:
- Sun-dried tomatoes – toss in a handful for tangy bursts
- GF gnocchi – works perfectly for gluten-free needs
- Mushrooms – sauté with the chicken for earthy depth
- Red pepper flakes – just a pinch wakes up all the flavors
Honestly? Throw in whatever makes your taste buds happy – I’ve yet to find a combo that doesn’t work!
Serving Suggestions
This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a complete meal on its own, but oh boy does it shine with some crusty bread for soaking up that creamy sauce! On nights when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing on the side – the bright acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. Pro tip: extra grated Parmesan on the table never hurts!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce – microwave works fine, but I prefer gently warming on the stove for that just-made texture!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each satisfying serving (about 1/4 of the skillet) – keep in mind these are estimates since ingredient brands vary:
- Calories: 610
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 45g
Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? And hey – that spinach totally counts as a health food!
FAQs About Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Honestly? Fresh makes all the difference here – dried spinach turns weirdly stringy in the sauce. If you must substitute, try frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) in a pinch.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just swap regular gnocchi for gluten-free potato gnocchi (most stores carry it now). Double check your chicken broth too – some brands sneak in wheat.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be quite as luxuriously thick. If you go this route, let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce properly.
Why does my garlic burn so fast?
Been there! The trick is to push the chicken aside and add garlic to a clear spot – that way it doesn’t stick to hot pan surfaces. And never walk away during those crucial 30 seconds!
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The gnocchi absorbs sauce over time, so add extra broth when reheating.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skilt Saves Dinner in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy one-pan chicken dinner with gnocchi, garlic, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for topping)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 30 seconds.
- Add gnocchi and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Top with extra Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
- Not gluten-free unless using GF gnocchi.
- Contains dairy.
- Best made in a deep 12-inch skillet.
- Great add-ins: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan skillet simmer
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, one pan chicken dinner, chicken and gnocchi skillet, garlic parmesan chicken, gnocchi skillet recipe, creamy spinach chicken