Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Looking for a cozy, one-pan dinner that’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor? This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the answer! With pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, all the flavor.
Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich & Creamy – Silky sauce with garlic and parmesan.
Comforting & Satisfying – Gnocchi and chicken are a hearty combo.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Sauce & Gnocchi:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the garlic and onion.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits.
Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2 minutes to slightly reduce.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi and let it simmer in the sauce for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The gnocchi will cook through and become tender while soaking up the flavors.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese & Return Chicken
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Simmer for another 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Serve hot straight from the skillet with warm bread or a crisp side salad.

Tips for Success
Use Pre-Cooked Gnocchi – Shelf-stable gnocchi works great and saves time.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook chicken in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
Low & Slow for Sauce – Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Taste as You Go – Adjust salt and pepper at the end to suit your taste.
Make It Your Own – Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for a twist.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the creamy richness.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds color, fiber, and nutrients to your plate.
Lemon Wedges – A splash of acidity balances the creaminess.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream and gnocchi texture change.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it in Step 5.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   You can try using coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan alternatives, but the flavor and texture will change.
3. What kind of gnocchi works best?
   Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi both work well. Avoid frozen unless thawed first.
4. Can I add veggies to this dish?
   Absolutely! Try spinach, kale, peas, or chopped bell peppers.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all other ingredients (like broth) are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort meal in one pan. It’s quick, hearty, and full of garlicky, cheesy goodness that hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick dinner solution, this recipe checks every box.

Give it a try, and let the creamy garlic sauce speak for itself. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creation online – I’d love to see how it turned out for you!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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