This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the definition of cozy comfort food. Tender pieces of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce come together in one pan for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet takes less than 30 minutes at home. With golden bites of garlic-infused chicken and rich, cheesy flavor in every forkful, this skillet recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
If you love quick, hearty, and cheesy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this chicken gnocchi skillet is for you. It’s creamy, filling, and the kind of meal that makes you want to grab seconds. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making it an effortless dish that fits right into your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
- Quick and family-friendly: Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy comfort food: The Parmesan cream sauce clings to the gnocchi for irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Versatile: Swap out proteins, add vegetables, or change the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Restaurant-style flavor at home: Luxurious taste without complicated steps.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. They also cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
- Chicken breasts: Lean protein that gets golden brown when sautéed, adding savory flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and garlic, adding richness to the base.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the sauce balanced and not overly heavy.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, creating that indulgent creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a salty, nutty, cheesy punch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.
Pro Tips
- Brown the chicken well: Don’t rush this step—let the chicken develop a golden crust before adding liquids for maximum flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grate it fresh for a silky sauce.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: They should be tender but not mushy; simmering them in the sauce helps them soak up flavor without breaking apart.
- Adjust the sauce thickness: If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Taste as you go: Parmesan is salty, so season at the end to avoid over-salting.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Protein swaps: Try chicken thighs for juicier bites, shrimp for a seafood twist, or even Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, or stir in mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make tasty additions.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly for a lower-calorie option.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but you can easily pair it with side dishes for a complete dinner. Serve with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead, then gently reheat with fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.
- Storing leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through to prevent uneven heating.
- Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, but you can freeze cooked chicken separately and prepare the sauce fresh.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Gnocchi has deep roots in Italian cuisine, with variations dating back hundreds of years. Traditionally made from potatoes and flour, these dumplings were crafted as a hearty, inexpensive way to stretch meals. Over time, they’ve become beloved worldwide for their tender texture and versatility. This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings Italian comfort food into a modern one-pan format, making it approachable for home cooks everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! Shelf-stable, frozen, or refrigerated gnocchi all work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the variety.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free gnocchi and double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will naturally reduce and thicken as the cheese melts in.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes—spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas work beautifully. Add them after cooking the chicken so they sauté briefly before the liquids go in.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Make sure to keep the heat at medium-low once you add the cream. High heat can cause dairy to separate.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and minced garlic. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, until gnocchi is cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
