Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Okay, let me tell you — this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is like a big warm hug in a pan. I mean, who doesn’t love soft, pillowy gnocchi with juicy chicken? And when you add garlic? Oh wow, it smells so good!

I made this for dinner last night, and oh my goodness, everyone wanted seconds! It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that little bit of garlic that makes you wanna dance. Plus, it all cooks in one pan — so easy, right?

If you’re like me and want something fast but super yummy, you’ve gotta try this. It’s perfect for busy nights when you don’t wanna spend forever cooking. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wanna make it again and again!

So, are you ready to make dinner simple and delicious? Grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking! Keep reading and I’ll show you exactly how I make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet—less mess, less cleanup.
• Creamy and Filling: The garlic cream sauce, paired with soft gnocchi and tender chicken, creates a rich, satisfying dish.
• Ready in Under an Hour: Quick prep and cooking make this a weeknight-friendly meal.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Flavors deepen as it sits, making great next-day meals.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Swap out veggies or adjust spices to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4 as a main dish.
• Want to feed a bigger group? Double the recipe and use a large skillet or sauté pan.

Difficulty:

• Easy to moderate. Basic chopping and pan cooking. Great for home cooks who want to try something new without stress.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A deep pan to hold all ingredients and sauce.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing chicken, mushrooms, and onions.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate amounts for sauce and seasonings.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken pieces evenly.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful skillet dinner (exact amounts will be in the recipe card):

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi that cooks quickly right in the sauce.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless for juicy, tender bites. You can swap for chicken breast if preferred.
• Paprika: Adds a warm depth to the chicken seasoning.
• Butter or Ghee: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing veggies.
• Yellow Onion: Sweet, mild flavor to build the base of the dish.
• White Mushrooms: Earthy and hearty, they complement the chicken perfectly.
• Garlic: The star flavor—fresh garlic brings richness and aroma.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory foundation of the sauce.
• Half and Half (or Heavy Cream): Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
• Fresh Spinach: Wilts down for added color and nutrition.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a hint of heat—adjust to your liking.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Sprinkled on top for added flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a fresh, bright finish.

Variations for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Use Chicken Breast: Swap thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or roasted red peppers for color and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne.
• Lighten the Sauce: Use whole milk instead of cream for a lighter option, though sauce will be thinner.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit chicken and double mushrooms or add zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Then, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes.

Place the chicken in a bowl and season with:

• Paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Mix until all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the rest.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).

Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

3. Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those browned bits add flavor), add another small pat of butter if needed.

Add:

• Chopped yellow onion
• Sliced white mushrooms

Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent and the mushrooms are golden brown and tender.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Deglaze and Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds rich flavor to your sauce.

Once it starts to simmer, stir in:

• Half and half (or heavy cream)
• Mozzarella cheese

Let this mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken.

5. Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce

Add the uncooked potato gnocchi straight into the sauce.

Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is soft and pillowy and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.

6. Add Spinach and Finish the Dish

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the fresh spinach.

Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts into the sauce.

Return the cooked chicken (and any juices on the plate) back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything.

Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

7. Serve

Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest for a minute to set up slightly.

Garnish with:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley for color and freshness (optional)

Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides if you want to stretch it out or balance the richness:

• With a Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing adds a fresh contrast.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up that creamy sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work well.

It’s also a great option for family dinners or when you’re hosting a casual get-together—comforting and satisfying.

Storing Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Refrigerator:

• Let leftovers cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Freezing (Not Recommended):

• Because of the cream-based sauce and gnocchi texture, this dish doesn’t freeze well. The sauce can separate, and gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Sear the Chicken Well: Let the chicken pieces sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to get a good sear. This adds flavor to the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is smaller, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of browning it.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a deeper, richer flavor than garlic powder.
• Let Gnocchi Simmer in Sauce: Cooking gnocchi right in the sauce lets them absorb all the flavors while releasing a bit of starch to help thicken the sauce.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste at the end—sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) can brighten up the creaminess.
• Add Heat if You Like: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of spice without overpowering the creamy garlic flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	520
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	780mg
Cholesterol	130mg

Note: Nutrition is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast can dry out more quickly than thighs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them in the skillet, add the sauce and gnocchi, and finish cooking.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Absolutely. No need to thaw—just add them straight into the simmering sauce, but you may need to add a splash more broth if they absorb extra liquid.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi (many stores carry these) and check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap half and half for whole milk (though sauce will be thinner), and reduce the cheese a bit. You could also increase the spinach or add extra vegetables to bulk it up without adding extra calories.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the kind of meal that feels special without requiring much work. The creamy garlic sauce, paired with tender chicken and soft gnocchi, makes every bite comforting and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan dinner delivers on flavor and simplicity.