Easy One-Pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
There’s a special kind of magic that happens in the kitchen when a dish comes together effortlessly, filling your home with incredible aromas and your belly with pure comfort. I remember one blustery autumn evening, after a particularly long day chasing toddlers and deadlines, I desperately needed dinner to be both quick and soul-satisfying. That’s when I first stumbled upon the genius of a true one-pan wonder – and the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) was born in my kitchen. It became an instant family favorite, a recipe requested again and again for its incredible ease and irresistible flavors.
That night, as the pan simmered away, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, garlicky masterpiece, I realized this wasn’t just a meal; it was a moment of peace. The pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach all bathed in a luscious sauce felt like a warm hug, making the evening’s chaos melt away with every delicious bite. It’s a recipe that delivers big on taste without demanding hours of your precious time, making it the ultimate weeknight hero.
Since that first triumphant dinner, this tested recipe has graced our table countless times, proving itself to be a true culinary MVP. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal you crave when you need something delicious and fuss-free. Get ready to experience the pure joy of a truly delicious and easy one-pan dinner that will quickly become a staple in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ❤️ Ultimate One-Pan Convenience: No endless pots and pans here! This entire Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes together in just one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. Spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring your delicious meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner without the fuss.
- ❤️ Incredible Flavor Profile: We’re talking tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly browned and infused with garlic, combined with soft, pillowy gnocchi. A rich, creamy sauce ties it all together, punctuated by fresh spinach and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Every spoonful is a symphony of comforting, savory tastes that will leave you completely satisfied.
- ❤️ Ready in Under 40 Minutes: From prep to plate, this delightful dinner can be on your table in less than an hour! It’s faster than takeout, healthier, and infinitely more satisfying. Perfect for those evenings when hunger strikes but time is short, making it an ideal easy dinner solution.
- ❤️ Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients for this dish in your pantry or fridge right now. Simple, accessible items come together to create something truly spectacular, proving you don’t need exotic components for an extraordinary meal. It’s budget-friendly and stress-free!
- ❤️ Hug-in-a-Bowl Comfort Food: There’s something inherently cozy about gnocchi. Paired with succulent chicken and a creamy sauce, this skillet dinner delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul and makes you feel good from the inside out, especially on a chilly evening.
- ❤️ Customizable & Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization! Easily swap out vegetables, adjust the spice level, or try different protein options to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a versatile dish that adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand or whatever you’re craving.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic form the heart of this dish, all brought together by a rich, creamy sauce. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements of all the ingredients needed to create this delightful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (One-Pan Dinner).
Expert Tips
- 💡 Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of giving it that beautiful golden crust, which adds a lot of flavor to the overall dish. A good sear is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken pieces.
- 💡 Sear the Gnocchi for Texture: While the gnocchi will cook in the sauce, a quick pan-fry before adding the liquid can give them a delightful crispy exterior. This extra step adds a fantastic textural contrast to the soft interior of the gnocchi and the creamy sauce, elevating the dish. Just a few minutes in a hot pan will do the trick!
- 💡 Adjust Creaminess to Your Liking: The amount of chicken broth and cream can be slightly adjusted. If you prefer a looser, saucier dish, add a little extra broth or milk. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute or two longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, the gnocchi will absorb some liquid as it cooks.
- 💡 Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic makes a world of difference in this recipe. Its pungent, aromatic flavor truly shines and forms the backbone of the “garlic chicken” aspect. Don’t skimp on the fresh stuff for the best results!
- 💡 Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly! Once added to the simmering sauce, they usually only need 2-3 minutes until they float to the top and are tender. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they retain their perfect, pillowy texture.
- 💡 Spinach Last: Add the fresh spinach right at the very end, once the gnocchi is cooked. It will wilt almost instantly in the residual heat. This ensures the spinach remains vibrant green and doesn’t get overcooked or lose its nutritional value.
- 💡 Finish with Fresh Parmesan: A generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end and a little more for garnish really amplifies the savory, umami notes of the dish. It adds a lovely salty finish and a beautiful richness that completes the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet perfectly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes (add them in with the spinach). For heartier veggies like broccoli or asparagus, steam them lightly beforehand or add them with the chicken broth to cook through.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give this dish a lovely kick. You could also add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Different Proteins: Not a fan of chicken? Try sliced sausage (pre-cooked Italian sausage works wonderfully), shrimp (add at the very end as it cooks quickly), or even cannellini beans for a vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! A touch of provolone, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheddar could add a different dimension of flavor and melt beautifully into the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi (read labels carefully) and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: This is trickier due to the creamy sauce. Use a plant-based unsweetened milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan cream cheese or nutritional yeast for creaminess. Omit the chicken and use plant-based chicken alternatives or extra veggies. Ensure gnocchi is egg-free.
- Herb Swaps: While parsley is classic, fresh basil or a pinch of dried Italian seasoning can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Leftovers of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as gnocchi can become tough.
- Freezing: Freezing gnocchi-based dishes can be a bit tricky as gnocchi can sometimes change texture and become a bit mushy when thawed and reheated. However, if you want to try, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce might separate slightly, but a good stir will usually bring it back together.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it and add it in with the gnocchi and spinach to heat through. This will further reduce your cooking time, making this an even quicker dinner!
Q: What kind of gnocchi should I use?
A: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle works perfectly for this recipe. Fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section can also be used, but cook times might vary slightly. Just avoid frozen gnocchi, as it won’t yield the same results in this one-pan method.
Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Definitely! To add a bit of heat, simply include a pinch or two of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the garlic. You can adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water (a “slurry”) and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens. The gnocchi will also absorb some liquid, naturally thickening the sauce.
Conclusion
And there you have it – your new go-to recipe for a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight meal! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (One-Pan Dinner) truly proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty time commitment or a pile of dirty dishes. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday evening or a lazy Sunday, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later so you always have this fantastic one-pan wonder at your fingertips!
Easy One-Pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 (17.6 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2 2. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3 3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 4 4. Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface. The sauce will thicken as the gnocchi cook.
- Step 5 5. Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6 6. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 7 7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your Easy One-Pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!
