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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Calories: 520

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
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 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
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add butter.
  2. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
  1. Sprinkle in flour (if using) and stir to create a smooth base.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan—those bits add great flavor.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently.
  4. Mix in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a creamy, smooth texture.
Add Gnocchi
  1. Stir in the gnocchi, ensuring each piece is coated with sauce.
  2. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and pillowy.
  3. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.
Add Chicken & Spinach
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  2. Stir in spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
  2. Serve warm straight from the skillet for a cozy, comforting meal.