Description
A comforting and creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed and combined with soft potato gnocchi in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce, wilted spinach, and a hint of Parmesan. This one-pan dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté them for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Using the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the gnocchi and liquids: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the gnocchi: Cover the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed some of the sauce.
- Combine chicken and finish: Uncover the skillet and stir in the cooked chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with additional salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Store-bought shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi can be used—no need to pre-boil.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
- Swap spinach with kale if preferred for a different leafy green.
