Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Extra parmesan for serving

Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American