Description
A quick and comforting one-pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce with spinach or kale. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty, flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to fit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) gnocchi
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Fats and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add packaged gnocchi directly to the skillet and cook according to package instructions until they start to turn golden and tender, usually around 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring to melt and create a thick, creamy sauce. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together until coated in the sauce and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary for a nice sear.
- Toast the gnocchi until golden brown on the edges before adding sauce for added texture.
- Stir gently and avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken, Gnocchi, One-pan dinner, Creamy sauce, Quick meal, Comfort food, Easy weeknight recipe
