Irresistible Garlic Chicken Skillet with Gnocchi Recipe

Posted on November 6, 2025

The sizzle of garlic hitting a hot skillet, the creamy texture of pillowy gnocchi, and tender, juicy chicken—this recipe hits all the right notes. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish you make once and instantly know it’s going to become part of your regular rotation. The combination of flavors is downright irresistible, and the best part? It all comes together in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy weekends when you’re looking for something comforting yet easy.

I first stumbled upon the idea of pairing garlic chicken with gnocchi during a frantic pantry-cleaning session. You know those moments when you’re staring at the fridge wondering what to make? That’s when this skillet dish was born, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The gnocchi soaks up the garlicky sauce beautifully, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and the whole thing feels indulgent but simple. Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dishes. This garlic chicken and gnocchi skillet is cooked entirely in one pan.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic nights when you still want something homemade.
Comfort Food Bliss: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi make this dish undeniably satisfying.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this one—it’s simple, flavorful, and fun to eat.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add veggies to suit your taste.
Next-Level Flavor: The garlic-infused sauce is rich and aromatic, giving the dish a gourmet feel without the fuss.

What sets this recipe apart is the way the gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that garlicky goodness. It’s not just another skillet meal—it’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to perfection (without being complicated).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create bold flavors. Most of these are pantry staples, so you likely already have what you need!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Potato Gnocchi: Store-bought works perfectly for this recipe, but homemade is always a bonus.
Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced (don’t skimp—garlic is the star here).
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is best; it forms the base of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
Butter: Unsalted, to create a silky smooth sauce.
Salt and Pepper: To season the dish perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds a bright, herby finish.

Ingredient tips: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower gnocchi instead of traditional potato gnocchi.

Equipment Needed

Large Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for a perfectly balanced sauce.

If you don’t have a large skillet, a Dutch oven will work just fine. For those on a budget, any heavy-bottom pan will do the trick as long as it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Preparation Method

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and the sauce has thickened.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the gnocchi and sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Cook Chicken in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken browns evenly.
Don’t Rush the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently.
Get the Right Gnocchi Texture: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, while frozen may take a minute or two longer. Taste-test for doneness.
Consistency is Key: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered to thicken. For extra creaminess, stir in a bit more Parmesan.
Prep Ahead: Mince the garlic and cut the chicken in advance to save time during cooking.

One more tip: If you’re using pre-grated Parmesan, know that it might not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese—opt for the real deal when you can!

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. Zucchini or spinach would pair beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic for a little heat, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or even roasted cauliflower florets.
Cheesy Boost: Mix in mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra cheesy experience.
Seasonal Twist: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall for a cozy variation.

Personally, I love adding a handful of fresh baby spinach at the end—it wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served hot and straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up that creamy garlic sauce. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors wonderfully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the gnocchi texture may change.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving, this dish contains approximately:

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g

The chicken provides lean protein, while the garlic boasts immune-boosting properties. Gnocchi adds satisfying carbs for energy, and the creamy sauce feels indulgent without being overly heavy. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium broth and adjust the salt as needed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, this garlic chicken and gnocchi skillet has your name written all over it. The one-pan simplicity paired with creamy, garlicky perfection makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment with your thoughts, share your variations, or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well, but it may take a minute or two longer to cook. Just keep an eye on it and taste-test for doneness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both will provide a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and mince the garlic ahead of time to save some steps during cooking.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to toss in spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Add them toward the end of cooking for the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the gnocchi from becoming mushy.

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