One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi – Easy & Delicious Dinner
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, made entirely in one skillet. Juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together in under 30 minutes for a dinner that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to clean up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and release browned bits.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add uncooked gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat, cover the skillet, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
7. Uncover and stir in baby spinach until wilted.
8. Return cooked chicken and any juices to the pan.
9. Add grated parmesan and stir until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
10. Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
No need to pre-cook the gnocchi—simmering it in the sauce infuses extra flavor and saves dishes.
Chicken thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.