Rustic Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

My grandmother’s secret garlic chicken gnocchi skillet always creates instant magic at our dinner table.

Nonna learned this technique during her travels through northern Italy.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a fragrant sauce that sparks conversation.

Herbs and seasonings dance across each bite, promising rich comfort.

Crispy edges of gnocchi provide delightful texture against juicy chicken chunks.

We love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal kitchen effort.

Come cook alongside me and experience an authentic Italian-inspired feast that will make everyone smile.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb the garlic and seasoning flavors perfectly.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi, which is readily available in many grocery stores. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. The spinach is already a great nutritional boost, providing iron and vitamins to the meal.

Perks Of Cooking Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whips up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward recipe with simple steps anyone can follow, making it ideal for beginner cooks or those wanting a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a hint of spice, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• One-Skillet Convenience: Minimizes cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan, saving time on dishes and making post-dinner routine a breeze.

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Garlic Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for easy cutting and quick cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, savory sauce base.

• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian pasta that provides hearty texture and absorbs the creamy sauce wonderfully.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with rich, tangy cheese flavor, key for binding ingredients together.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Provides robust, classic Italian herb and garlic notes that enhance overall dish flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and elevating the dish's taste profile.

• Spinach, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional fresh green color, nutritional boost, and subtle heat for those wanting extra complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking, adds subtle fruity undertone, and provides medium for sautéing ingredients.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Procedure

Step 1: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop cubed chicken pieces into the hot pan, generously season with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior, which locks in delicious flavors and creates a stunning color.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet with the golden chicken.

Sauté the garlic until it releases its fragrant aroma, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent that signals something delicious is cooking.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Gently stir the liquids to combine, creating a smooth and rich sauce that will coat every morsel of chicken and gnocchi.

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Cook Pillowy Gnocchi

Introduce gnocchi to the skillet.

Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi become soft and tender, absorbing the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Greens

Stir in spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and turn a vibrant green, adding a fresh element to the dish.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the skillet directly, topping with extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Serve immediately while warm and bubbling.

Gnocchi Skillet With Garlic Chicken and Creamy Cooking Secrets

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking and better texture.
• Adjust minced garlic amount based on personal preference; fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Stir gnocchi gently during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even heat distribution in the skillet.
• Modify red pepper flakes quantity to match your heat tolerance, from mild to extra spicy according to preference.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrients.

Warm Gnocchi Skillet With Garlic Chicken Easily

• Store leftover garlic chicken gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the flavors fresh and intact.
• Carefully transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, where it can be preserved for 2-3 months without losing its delicious taste and texture.
• Warm the gnocchi over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and restore its creamy consistency.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original moisture.

Plating Ideas for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness of the garlic chicken gnocchi, bringing bright citrus notes that refresh the palate.
• Match Bread Side: Toasted garlic bread adds delightful crunch and echoes the garlic undertones in the skillet, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
• Complement Salad Choice: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, tangy contrast to the dish's creamy texture, balancing the overall meal.
• Enhance Beer Selection: Wheat beer with subtle citrus hints complements the chicken's richness and cuts through the heavy cream, offering a refreshing counterpoint.

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Swap: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to create a meatless version of the skillet meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Swap gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version that still delivers a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with hearty, soul-warming flavors. Crispy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich garlic sauce create a perfectly balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces / 454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and drizzle olive oil across the surface.
2. Cube chicken pieces and season thoroughly with salt and ground black pepper, then carefully place into the hot skillet.
3. Sear chicken until each side develops a rich, golden-brown exterior, ensuring even cooking throughout.
4. Mince fresh garlic cloves and sprinkle into the skillet, releasing their aromatic essence by gently stirring for 30-45 seconds.
5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan, creating a luxurious sauce base while scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom.
6. Incorporate parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, whisking until the mixture smoothly integrates and begins to slightly thicken.
7. Gently add prepared gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, covering the skillet to allow them to absorb flavors and become tender.
8. After 5-6 minutes, check gnocchi for softness and translucent appearance, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
9. Fold fresh spinach leaves into the skillet, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant green color within the creamy sauce.
10. Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Slice chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking and better texture.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for more robust flavor.
• Pat gnocchi dry before adding to skillet to prevent excess moisture and achieve a slightly crispy exterior.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, and use gluten-free gnocchi for celiac-friendly meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg