Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | Easy One-Pan Weeknight Hero

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your next weeknight dinner win, especially if you’ve got a hungry crew and not a lot of time. It’s one of those skillet meals that tastes like you spent hours stirring over the stove—but nope, just 30 minutes and a whole lot of comfort. With juicy garlic-seasoned chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that practically begs to be sopped up with bread (you know you want to), this dish is hearty without being heavy.

And the best part? It’s all made in one pan. Less mess, more flavor, and just enough room to sneak in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy. Whether you’re juggling kids, laundry, or just too tired to think about dinner plans, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet’s got your back. Bonus points: it’s picky-eater approved and reheats like a dream.

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What is Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is exactly what it sounds like—a warm, cozy skillet meal packed with tender garlic-seasoned chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the type of meal that tastes like it came from your favorite local bistro, but it’s made right at home in under 30 minutes. The garlic isn’t overpowering—it’s just enough to wake up your taste buds and make your kitchen smell like a dream.

And because it’s a skillet dinner, everything cooks in the same pan, so you won’t be drowning in dishes later. Think of this recipe as the culinary equivalent of a big warm hug: hearty, flavorful, and super satisfying. If you’ve ever tried creamy Tuscan chicken or creamy gnocchi soup, this dish lives somewhere between the two—but with more bite and fewer steps.

Reasons to Try Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

First of all—hello, one pan! That alone makes Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet a winner on any busy weeknight. You get tender chunks of golden-browned chicken, flavorful gnocchi that soak up all that luscious creamy sauce, and a punch of garlicky goodness that’ll have your family licking their forks. This dish hits the sweet spot between “fancy enough for guests” and “I just got home from work and need something now.” It’s quick, it’s cozy, and it doesn’t ask for anything wild—just pantry staples and one bag of gnocchi. Plus, it’s super easy to customize. Got picky eaters? Leave out the spinach.

Want to dress it up? Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or swap in chicken thighs for extra richness. This skillet meal is comforting, crowd-pleasing, and sneakily impressive for how fast it comes together.

Ingredients Needed to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi

Optional Add-Ins:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Ready to whip up a warm, creamy skillet dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy? Let’s walk through the step by step instructions to make this mouthwatering Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, these detailed steps will guide you through every stir, sear, and simmer with ease.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Step by step, begin by prepping your chicken. Dice about one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. If you’re not sure which to use, thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while breasts are leaner—go with what your crew prefers.

Toss the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This quick seasoning brings a savory base layer to the dish without needing a long marinade. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet (cast iron or non-stick both work well) over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden-brown crust and fully cooked pieces. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Tip: Want a golden sear every time? Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture. Learn more tricks like this in our chicken skillet cooking tips.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (because we love a good one-pan recipe), reduce the heat to medium. Toss in four cloves of freshly minced garlic and sauté it for about 1–2 minutes. Stir frequently—garlic goes from fragrant to burnt faster than you can say “skillet dinner.”

This step infuses the oil with garlicky goodness and forms the aromatic foundation for the creamy sauce. If you’re garlic-obsessed, feel free to add a fifth clove. We won’t judge.

Looking for garlic substitutes in case you’re out? Try checking our quick ingredient swap guide for ideas.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Once your garlic is nice and toasty (not browned), pour in two cups of chicken broth. As it hits the pan, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits left behind by the chicken. These little golden specks = maximum flavor.

Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch (¼ teaspoon) of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce start to thicken slightly. You’re going for a velvety consistency that coats a spoon.

Psst: Need a lighter version? You can sub half-and-half for the cream—just expect a thinner sauce. If you love creamy recipes, you’ll also adore our Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

Here’s the step by step magic: no need to boil the gnocchi separately. Just toss one 16-ounce package of potato gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.

The gnocchi will absorb the flavor of the sauce as it cooks and plumps up beautifully. By the end, your sauce should be thicker and the gnocchi soft but not mushy.

Looking for a vegetarian twist? Our Heartwarming Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup is another cozy way to use gnocchi.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once the gnocchi is tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to reunite everything. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine. If you’re including optional add-ins like fresh spinach (about 2 cups) or sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped), this is the moment to toss them in.

Let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes. The spinach should wilt gently, and the sun-dried tomatoes will add a nice burst of flavor that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Taste the skillet and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a touch more salt or an extra dash of pepper. You’re the chef here.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Now for the grand finale! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and an extra handful of grated Parmesan over the top. Serve your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet hot, ideally with some crusty garlic bread or a light salad on the side.

This dish is rich, creamy, and satisfying—all made in one skillet, step by step. You’ll probably get requests for seconds… and thirds.

Craving another cozy one-pot dinner? Check out this Easy One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe next.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a full meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a hungry crew (or just want to make it a little extra), pair it with a crisp green salad and some warm crusty bread or garlic knots. A light side like Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds can balance out the richness. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also work great here if you’re trying to sneak in more greens. And for dessert? Treat yourself to something simple but sweet like these Biscoff Blondies—because you deserve it.

Key Tips for Making Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing your chicken—let it get that golden crust. Use full-fat cream for the best flavor and thickness (skim just won’t hit the same). If your sauce gets too thick, splash in more chicken broth. And if you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie shortcut. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it—mushy gnocchi is a no-go. Want extra veggies? Stir in baby kale or peas at the end. This skillet is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to make it yours.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce—it tends to thicken up in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Freezing isn’t ideal for cream-based sauces (they can separate), so stick to the fridge for best results. And honestly, it might taste even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Just make sure you don’t thaw it first. Add it straight to the sauce frozen, and cook until tender.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Try swapping the cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative—but the flavor will change a bit.

Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check your chicken broth. Regular gnocchi typically contains flour.

Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely. Sauté them after the garlic before adding the broth. They add a great earthy depth to the dish.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add white beans or more veggies. You could also check out Heartwarming Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup for inspiration.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to quick, comforting dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a total lifesaver. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen—even if you barely had 30 minutes and one clean skillet to your name. With the creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and garlicky goodness, it hits all the right notes for a cozy night in. So the next time you’re staring down your fridge wondering what to make, just remember: this skillet’s got you covered.

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