Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This irresistibly creamy and garlicky skillet recipe is packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and rich flavors—all in just one pan. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick midweek meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Gnocchi
- 1 lb 450g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package, 16 oz gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Optional, for a spicy kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) over medium heat in your skillet.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Gnocchi
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Add the gnocchi (if using store-bought, no need to pre-cook; just toss them in).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi are lightly golden on the edges. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through, and the sauce is creamy and coats the chicken and gnocchi.
Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy your creamy, garlicky masterpiece.
Notes
Pro Tips: This meal is a good source of protein and calcium, but it's also rich in fats due to the cream and Parmesan cheese. If you're looking to reduce calories or fat, consider using a lighter cream option and reducing the amount of cheese.