There's nothing quite like a one-pan meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, garlicky dream, loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.

I first discovered this recipe on a night when I needed something comforting but quick. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, it became an instant favorite in my household. Now, it’s my go-to meal when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious meal. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when time is tight but cravings are high.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple, affordable ingredients like store-bought gnocchi and boneless chicken, giving you a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag.

Another reason to love this dish? Minimal cleanup. Since everything cooks in one skillet, you won’t be left with a pile of dirty dishes at the end of the night.

And let’s not forget the incredible flavor. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a sauce so rich and velvety that you’ll want to scoop up every last drop.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Gnocchi is the star of the show. Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly here, offering a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up all the garlicky, creamy goodness.

For the chicken, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs provide a richer flavor and stay juicy, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works well too.

Garlic is what makes this dish shine. Freshly minced garlic adds a deep, aromatic flavor that infuses into the sauce beautifully. Don’t skimp on it!

The sauce is made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese, creating a luscious, silky texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

A good nonstick or cast-iron skillet is essential for this recipe. It ensures even cooking and helps develop a golden sear on the chicken, adding even more flavor.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Making this dish is incredibly simple, and everything cooks in one pan for maximum convenience.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and let it warm up. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the deep, savory flavors come from. Let the cream simmer for a couple of minutes before stirring in the parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a velvety texture.

Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. No need to boil it separately! The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes soft and tender.

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it all warm through for another minute or two before serving. The total cooking time is about 25-30 minutes, making this the perfect quick and satisfying meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

To store, transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when reheated. To freeze, place the cooled gnocchi and chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating is easy. Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing. It gives the dish a nice warmth without overpowering the flavors.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes at the end for extra color and nutrients. Mushrooms or roasted red peppers also make a great addition.

If you need a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

For a protein boost, try adding cooked bacon or pancetta. Their smoky, salty bite pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to give the dish a fresh twist. A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a bright, vibrant finish.

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is truly a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re making it as written or putting your own spin on it, one thing is for sure—you’ll be coming back to this comforting, creamy meal again and again. Enjoy!