There's something magical about a one-pan meal that brings comfort and flavor together in just 30 minutes. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but didn't want to spend hours cooking. The combination of golden-browned gnocchi and juicy chicken in a garlicky, parmesan-infused sauce quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s a staple in our home whenever we crave something quick, cozy, and utterly delicious.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is everything you need in a meal: rich, creamy, and unbelievably easy to make.

First off, it’s a true one-pan wonder. That means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win after a long day. Everything—from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce—happens in a single skillet.

It’s also incredibly fast. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time. Perfect for those busy nights when takeout is tempting but a home-cooked meal is even better.

Plus, this dish is budget-friendly. It uses simple, everyday ingredients like chicken breast, packaged gnocchi, and pantry staples, making it both affordable and satisfying.

And let’s not forget the creamy garlic sauce. The combination of sautéed garlic, cream, and parmesan creates a luscious coating for the gnocchi that will have everyone licking their plates clean.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish irresistible.

Gnocchi is the heart of the dish, providing a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. While you can use homemade gnocchi, store-bought packaged gnocchi works perfectly and cuts down on prep time.

Chicken breast is the protein of choice here, keeping the dish lean yet satisfying. Slice it into bite-sized pieces so that it cooks quickly and evenly. You can also swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.

Garlic is the star flavor, infusing the entire dish with its rich, aromatic essence. Freshly minced garlic is best, but in a pinch, pre-minced garlic will still do the trick.

Heavy cream forms the base of the luxurious sauce. It creates a smooth, velvety texture that clings to the gnocchi and chicken. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

A large skillet with a lid is the only special equipment needed. A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Making this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is incredibly simple, and the entire process happens in just one pan. Here’s how to do it.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and let it warm up before adding the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and overpower the dish.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the gnocchi directly into the pan and stir to coat. Let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soften and absorb the broth’s flavor.

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. Return the chicken to the pan, along with any juices that accumulated while resting.

Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly, coating each bite beautifully. Finish with a sprinkle of additional parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well and tastes just as delicious the next day. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce. Freezing can cause the sauce to separate, resulting in a grainy texture when reheated.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

If you want to add some greens, stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the greens, adding a fresh and healthy element to the dish.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a bit of heat. This small change brings a whole new dimension of flavor to the dish.

For a dairy-free alternative, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The result is still creamy and flavorful, with a slightly different but delicious twist.

If you're craving extra protein, you can swap the chicken for Italian sausage or shrimp. Both options pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce and add a different depth of flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious a one-pan dinner can be!