There’s something special about a meal that comes together in a single skillet yet tastes like you spent hours cooking it. Garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is exactly that kind of dish—rich, cozy, and full of flavor, but incredibly simple to prepare. Soft, pillowy gnocchi simmer in a creamy garlic sauce alongside juicy chicken and sautéed vegetables, creating a meal that feels comforting and satisfying without being complicated.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a warm bowl of comfort on a busy day, or a flavorful dish to serve guests, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet hits the mark. It’s hearty enough to stand alone yet flexible enough to pair with salads, roasted vegetables, or homemade bread.

Why This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Works

This recipe blends bold garlic flavor, tender chicken, and creamy sauce with the uniquely satisfying texture of gnocchi. Unlike traditional pasta, gnocchi adds a soft, chewy bite that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Everything cooks in one pan, which helps the flavors come together naturally and keeps cleanup easy.

Here’s what makes this dish special:

Comfort-food texture from soft gnocchi and creamy sauce
Bold garlic flavor that enhances the chicken and vegetables
Quick cooking time, making it great for busy nights
Balanced nutrition, especially with spinach or other vegetables
Restaurant-quality result without complicated steps

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Tongs (for turning chicken)

Ingredients List

For the Chicken and Base

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Aromatics & Sauce

4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

For the Gnocchi & Vegetables

1 (16–18 oz) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
2 cups baby spinach
Optional add-ins: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or cherry tomatoes

For Garnish

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2. Sauté Garlic & Onions

In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add butter.

Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3. Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir to create a smooth base.

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan—those bits add great flavor.

Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently.

Mix in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a creamy, smooth texture.

Step 4. Add Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring each piece is coated with sauce.

Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and pillowy.

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.

Step 5. Add Chicken & Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Stir in spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan.

Step 6. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.

Serve warm straight from the skillet for a cozy, comforting meal.

Why Gnocchi Works Perfectly in This Dish

Gnocchi cooks fast and absorbs flavor effortlessly. In a creamy garlic sauce, it becomes incredibly tender and satisfying. Because it cooks directly in the sauce, it thickens the texture naturally and creates a rich, velvety consistency that feels luxurious and comforting.

Gnocchi also pairs wonderfully with chicken, garlic, and Parmesan, making this skillet a natural flavor combination.

Variations to Try

This recipe is easy to customize based on your taste and ingredients on hand.

Add More Vegetables

Try folding in:

Mushrooms
Zucchini
Peas
Broccoli florets
Roasted red peppers

These additions increase both nutrition and flavor.

Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes
Use blackened seasoning on the chicken
Stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste

Make It Creamier

Add extra Parmesan
Stir in a dollop of cream cheese
Use more heavy cream

Make It Lighter

Use half-and-half instead of cream
Replace chicken with turkey or shrimp
Increase the amount of vegetables

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a light side helps balance the richness.

Great Side Options

Mixed greens salad
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted asparagus
Sautéed green beans
Tomato cucumber salad

These sides add freshness and texture to round out the meal.

Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture of gnocchi.

Freeze for 1–2 months.

Reheating

Skillet: Warm on low with a splash of broth or cream.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each burst.

Gnocchi absorbs sauce, so adding extra liquid helps restore creaminess.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Use refrigerated gnocchi for best texture

It stays tender and holds shape beautifully.

Don’t burn the garlic

Overcooked garlic becomes bitter—cook it until just fragrant.

Adjust sauce thickness as needed

Add broth to thin or extra Parmesan to thicken.

Taste the seasoning at the end

Cream sauces often need a final pinch of salt.

Brown the chicken well

Color adds flavor, helping the entire dish taste richer and deeper.

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving)

Calories: 520–580
Protein: 32–35g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g
Fat: 22–26g
Fiber: 3–4g

Values vary based on cream usage and added vegetables.

If this recipe hits the spot, don’t miss Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Veggies, Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts, or Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs for your next dinner.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 people

Course: dinner

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Base

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika optional

For the Aromatics & Sauce

4 –5 garlic cloves minced
1 small onion diced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour optional, for thickening

For the Gnocchi & Vegetables

1 16–18 oz package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
2 cups baby spinach
Optional add-ins: mushrooms sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or cherry tomatoes

For Garnish

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes

Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Tongs (for turning chicken)

Method

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Garlic & Onions

In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add butter.
Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir to create a smooth base.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan—those bits add great flavor.
Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently.
Mix in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a creamy, smooth texture.

Add Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring each piece is coated with sauce.
Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and pillowy.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.

Add Chicken & Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Stir in spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan.

Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Serve warm straight from the skillet for a cozy, comforting meal.

Conclusion

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings together classic flavors and creamy textures in a way that feels both indulgent and easy to prepare. Made in one pan, it’s ideal for busy nights when you want something cozy without spending hours cooking. Whether you’re feeding family or craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes. Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well and cook quickly in the skillet.

2. Can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly for a lighter version.

3. What vegetables can I add to garlic chicken gnocchi?

Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli pair well with the creamy garlic sauce.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.

5. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes. Add cooked chicken near the end so it warms through without overcooking.