The sound of gnocchi hitting hot butter in a cast iron skillet is pure magic. This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and the dreamiest garlic cream sauce all in one pan. It’s been taking over dinner tables everywhere because comfort food this good shouldn’t require a dozen dishes.
Think restaurant-quality comfort food that comes together in about 30 minutes. Golden chicken thighs get crispy first, then you toss in store-bought gnocchi and let them get beautifully browned. The garlic cream sauce pulls it all together with just heavy cream, parmesan, and plenty of fresh garlic. Best part? Everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Started making this back in 2014 when my oldest was going through her “I only eat beige food” phase. She took one bite and declared it “fancy mac and cheese with chicken.” The secret I discovered after years of testing? Don’t stir the gnocchi too much once they hit the panlet them get those crispy golden edges first. My family requests this at least twice a month now.
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe Must-Try
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and indulgent meal perfect for busy nights. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich garlic sauce, it’s a family friendly skillet dinner. Enjoy easy creamy chicken dinner with comfort food gnocchi flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi fresh or store-bought
- 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach or kale optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and season chicken with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through then remove from skillet.
- Add remaining olive oil and gnocchi to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until golden then remove.
- Add garlic to skillet and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth scraping browned bits then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cooking 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken and gnocchi to skillet and toss to coat.
- Stir in spinach if using and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot garnished as desired.
Notes
- Customize the Dish: Feel free to add roasted vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or almond cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a dairy-free version
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Will Become Your Go-To
It’s incredibly satisfying to watch gnocchi turn from soft dumplings into golden, crispy bites. This one-pan chicken gnocchi recipe brings restaurant-worthy flavor to your table with minimal effortfeaturing tender chicken, perfectly browned gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce that coats every bite.
Its appeal lies in both its simplicity and versatility. Dealing with picky eaters? The mild garlic flavor is often a hit. Need dinner fast? This easy gnocchi skillet recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. Plus, it makes delicious leftovers that often taste even better the next day.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time with family
- Freezer-friendly ingredients: Keep gnocchi and chicken on hand for emergency dinners
- Crowd-pleaser: Even my brother-in-law who “doesn’t do fancy food” asks for seconds
Essential Ingredients for This Skillet
The secret to this satisfying comfort food gnocchi recipe is selecting quality ingredients and allowing their natural flavors to shine. Through years of testing, I’ve found that the quality of your gnocchi and fresh garlic truly makes a difference.
Gnocchi choice matters: Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section crisps up beautifully, while shelf-stable works too but needs an extra minute in the pan. Both potato gnocchi varieties give you those coveted golden edges that make this dish special.
| Ingredient | Why It Works | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | Cooks quickly, stays tender | Chicken thighs (juicier option) |
| Heavy cream | Creates rich, silky sauce | Half-and-half + butter |
| Fresh garlic | Builds aromatic base | Garlic powder (1 tsp) |
| Parmesan cheese | Adds depth and creaminess | Pecorino Romano |
Step-by-Step: Building Flavors
The secret to this family-friendly skillet dinner is building flavor in distinct stages. Each step contributes to those delicious caramelized bits that elevate a simple chicken and gnocchi combination.
Start with the chicken: Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings. Let it develop a beautiful golden crust before you begin to move it around. Those browned bits left in the pan are crucialthey form the flavorful foundation for your sauce, so don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a hurry.
Crisp the gnocchi next: Using the same pan (no need to wash it!), allow the gnocchi to become golden and slightly crispy on at least one side. Resist the urge to stir constantly; patience will yield the best texture, adding a delightful crispness that truly elevates the dish.
- Pro tip: If your gnocchi seems to stick initially, give it another 30 secondsit’ll release naturally once golden
- Timing trick: Have all ingredients prepped before you startthis moves fast once you begin
- Sauce secret: Add the garlic after removing gnocchi to prevent burning
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
Even the simplest recipes can have their challenges, and I’ve encountered many while perfecting this quick creamy gnocchi. Here’s how to sidestep common issues I’ve learned from over the years.
Sauce too thin? Let it simmer an extra minute or twothe Parmesan helps thicken naturally. If you’re in a hurry, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold broth and stir it in.
- Gnocchi falling apart: Don’t boil them firstthey cook perfectly in the skillet
- Chicken seems tough: Cut against the grain and don’t overcook165°F internal temp is your target
- Garlic burnt and bitter: Start over with fresh garlicthere’s no saving burnt garlic flavor
- Cream sauce broke: Remove from heat and whisk in cold cream gradually to bring it back together
Make It Your Own: Simple Swaps and Additions
This garlic butter chicken gnocchi recipe is incredibly versatile, easily adapting to ingredients you have on hand or what your family prefers. My daughters often get creative with additions that always impress me.
Many vegetables integrate perfectly into the creamy saucemushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. Add them after browning the chicken but before the gnocchi, allowing them time to soften and release their delicious flavors.
| Addition | When to Add | Family Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Baby spinach | Last 2 minutes | Kid-approved |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | With the garlic | Adult favorite |
| Mushrooms | After chicken | Universal hit |
| Red pepper flakes | With Italian seasoning | Heat lovers only |
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This creamy chicken dinner is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread can complete the feast. I often serve it straight from the skillet, which adds to that inviting, family-style appeal.
Leftovers store well for up to three days in the refrigerator, though the gnocchi will soften a bit. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Perfect pairings: Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli
- Reheating trick: Add a tablespoon of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from getting too thick
- Freezer note: The cream sauce doesn’t freeze well, but you can prep the chicken and gnocchi components ahead
Expert Says: The Science Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
The secret to an exceptional creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet lies in balancing rich dairy with fragrant aromatics like garlic, creating depth without overwhelming the dish. Using gnocchi instead of traditional pasta provides a tender, pillowy texture that perfectly soaks up the sauce, resulting in a truly comforting one-pan meal.
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The Journey to the Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Achieving this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet took a few attempts in my kitchen. I recall one evening where the sauce was too thin, and another when the garlic overpowered everything. After carefully learning to balance these elements, I’m delighted to share this comforting and cozy recipe, perfected through experience.
FAQs ( Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet )
How do I keep gnocchi from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, cook gnocchi in plenty of boiling water with a pinch of salt and stir gently once or twice. After draining, toss immediately with a little olive oil or butter to coat. In this recipe, pan-frying after boiling adds a crispy layer that also helps keep pieces separate.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this dish?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well and saves time. Simply cook it straight from frozen without thawing, following package instructions, then proceed with the skillet steps. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed to avoid overcooking the tender dumplings.
What sides pair well with this recipe?
Light sides complement the richness of this creamy meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus balance the flavors and add freshness. Garlic bread is also a classic choice to soak up any extra sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead and reheat it?
This dish reheats well if stored properly. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce and avoid drying out the chicken gnocchi skillet.
How can I make this meal gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi available at most grocery stores to keep this stir-fry family friendly for gluten-sensitive diets. Make sure all other ingredients, especially broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free. This swap does not change the creamy texture or flavor of the dish.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet offers incredible comfort in just 30 minutesfeaturing golden chicken, perfectly crispy gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce that beautifully coats every single bite. You’ll appreciate how the flavors blend seamlessly in one pan, creating a delicious meal that will surely have everyone asking for more.
Consider tossing in baby spinach during the last few minutes for extra color, or swap the chicken for Italian sausage for a bolder flavor. One pan chicken gnocchi reheats well with a splash of creama practical trick I’ve used for countless busy weeknight dinners. Store leftovers for up to three days, though in our house, they seldom last that long.
I’d love to hear how this comfort food gnocchi recipe turns out for you! Did it evoke a favorite family dish, or become your new go-to for busy weeknights? Share a photo when you make itit’s always wonderful to see this golden, bubbly skillet bring joy to dinner tables everywhere.
