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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet served in a cast iron skillet shows a close up of the creamy sauce, browned chicken, and soft gnocchi.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, all cooked in one pan. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • spatula
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this adds tons of flavor!
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi.
  8. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through. They will start to float to the surface when they're ready.
  9. If using, stir in the chopped spinach during the last minute of cooking until wilted.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
  11. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately.
  12. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For make-ahead tips, prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For variations, try adding pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms and spinach. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat.