Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken thighs, soft potato gnocchi, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce with mushrooms and spinach.
This hearty dish comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner time even more enjoyable.
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 Ib boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
For the Skillet:
- 1 Ib potato gnocchi cooked and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 cup white mushrooms diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Red pepper chili flakes and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter or ghee. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- auté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Gradually stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine the Gnocchi and Spinach: Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach into the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well-coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gnocchi and creamy sauce. Let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with red pepper chili flakes and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Why You Will Love Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a dish that ticks all the boxes for comfort food lovers, and once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why:
1. Quick and Easy
One of the best features of Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is how simple it is to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table with minimal prep and cleanup.
The one-pan approach saves time and reduces dishwashing, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. No complicated cooking techniques are required—just sauté, simmer, and stir.
2. Creamy, Comforting Goodness
The creamy sauce is a star player in this dish. Often made with cream, chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings, it coats each pillowy gnocchi and piece of chicken in luscious flavor.
The sauce thickens as it simmers, turning into a velvety texture that is irresistible. It’s rich without being overpowering and delivers that stick-to-your-ribs warmth everyone loves on a chilly evening.
3. Pillowy Gnocchi
If you’re a fan of pasta or dumplings, gnocchi is your new best friend. These Italian potato-based dumplings have a soft, chewy texture that complements the chicken and creamy sauce beautifully.
As the gnocchi cooks, it soaks up the surrounding flavors, making each bite deeply satisfying.
You can use store-bought gnocchi to save time or homemade if you want to take it up a notch.
4. Juicy, Tender Chicken
The chicken adds heartiness and protein, making this dish a filling and balanced meal.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are commonly used, and they are usually cooked until golden brown before simmering with the sauce.
The chicken’s tender texture and mild flavor pair perfectly with the gnocchi and creamy base.
5. Versatile Ingredients
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is endlessly adaptable. Want more vegetables? Toss in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Prefer a lighter sauce? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. Looking for an extra kick of flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon.
You can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to finish it off.
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Tips and Serving Tricks
A chicken gnocchi skillet is a quick, comforting, and versatile one-pan meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
With tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce, this dish is ideal for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Here are tips to ensure you nail the dish every time, along with creative serving ideas to elevate your meal.
1. Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor:
Start by searing the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a bit of oil or butter until golden brown. This step locks in juices and enhances flavor. For an extra touch, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt before cooking. - Use Fresh or Store-Bought Gnocchi:
Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly and has a softer texture, while store-bought gnocchi offers convenience. If using shelf-stable or frozen gnocchi, cook them briefly in boiling water before adding to the skillet to ensure a tender texture. - One-Skillet Cooking Trick:
After cooking the chicken, set it aside, and sauté onions, garlic, and any vegetables in the same pan. This layering process builds flavor. Add gnocchi and broth or cream directly to the skillet for a cohesive and flavorful dish. - Creamy Sauce Tips:
A rich sauce is key to a satisfying chicken gnocchi skillet. Heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a blend of cream and chicken broth can create a velvety sauce. To prevent curdling, simmer the sauce on low heat. You can also stir in a handful of grated Parmesan for extra depth and thickness. - Vegetable Add-Ins:
Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions. Add spinach at the end of cooking to wilt it without losing its vibrant color. Mushrooms should be cooked before adding the sauce to avoid excess water.
2. Creative Serving Tricks and Ideas
- Garnish for Presentation:
Elevate the dish with fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for freshness and color. A touch of lemon zest adds brightness to the creamy sauce. - Cheese Finish:
For a cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the skillet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. This creates a delicious contrast between the creamy base and crispy top. - Bread Pairings:
Serve the dish with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, try toasted sourdough. - Wine Pairing:
A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you prefer red, go for a light-bodied Pinot Noir. - Portion Control and Leftovers:
One skillet can generally serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Notes:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- You can customize the sauce’s creaminess by adding more or less half-and-half or cream.
With these tips and tricks, your chicken gnocchi skillet will be flavorful, comforting, and effortlessly elevated for any occasion. Happy cooking!
