There's nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy, garlicky chicken gnocchi skillet on a busy weeknight. The pillowy softness of the gnocchi, paired with tender chicken and a rich, savory sauce, makes for an irresistible dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a quick dinner idea that didn’t skimp on flavor. One bite of the buttery garlic sauce clinging to golden gnocchi, and I knew I had found a new family favorite. Now, this dish is on regular rotation in my kitchen, perfect for both weeknight meals and impromptu gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and satisfying meal. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is packed with flavor and comes together in a snap.

First, it’s incredibly quick and simple to make. With minimal prep and only one skillet required, you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes—ideal for those hectic evenings when time is tight.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. Using store-bought gnocchi and affordable ingredients like chicken and garlic, this dish is a cost-effective way to serve a hearty, comforting meal.

Plus, the creamy garlic sauce is absolutely irresistible. The balance of butter, cream, and parmesan creates a velvety texture that coats every bite, ensuring that each forkful is bursting with flavor.

Best of all, this recipe is highly versatile. You can swap in different proteins, add extra veggies, or even make it dairy-free with simple ingredient substitutions. No matter how you customize it, the result is always delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Gnocchi is the star of the dish. I recommend using store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, but if you have homemade gnocchi on hand, it’ll elevate the dish even further. The key is to pan-fry them instead of boiling them to achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Chicken provides a hearty protein base. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully, but chicken thighs are an excellent alternative if you prefer a juicier texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Garlic is essential for that rich, aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic gives the best taste, but if you're in a pinch, garlic powder can work in a smaller quantity.

Heavy cream and parmesan create the luxurious, creamy sauce. If you want a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce may be a bit thinner.

Spinach adds a touch of freshness and color to balance out the richness. Baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, but you can also use kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Creating this dish is simpler than you might think, and the best part? Everything comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through. This step enhances the texture and prevents the gnocchi from becoming too soft. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Next, in the same skillet, add a bit more oil and cook the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Let them sear for about 5 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside with the gnocchi.

Lower the heat and melt butter in the skillet before adding the garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for a minute before whisking in the parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Return the gnocchi and chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the luscious sauce. Finally, toss in the spinach and let it wilt into the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately.

This entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), store them properly to enjoy later.

Refrigerate any remaining gnocchi in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of cream or broth when reheating will bring it back to life.

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. The microwave works too, but heat in short bursts and stir in between to prevent uneven heating.

Freezing isn’t recommended as the creamy sauce may separate and the gnocchi can become too soft when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of broth and milk. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Want more veggies? Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.

For a protein swap, try shrimp or Italian sausage in place of chicken. Both pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

If you like a little heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.

No matter how you make it, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and make it your own!