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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a hearty, creamy one-pan meal loaded with tender chicken thighs, fluffy gnocchi, and a garlicky cream sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Skillet Meal – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
  • Rich and Creamy Sauce – Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and melty mozzarella.
  • Tender Chicken Thighs – Juicy, seasoned chicken that adds protein and flavor.
  • Hearty and Filling – Potato gnocchi and spinach make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • Potato gnocchi – 1 pound, cooked and drained.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 1.5 pounds (4-6 thighs), seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Paprika – 1.5 teaspoons.
  • Butter or ghee – 5 tablespoons.
  • Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced.
  • White mushrooms – 1 cup, diced.
  • Minced garlic – 2 tablespoons.
  • Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon.
  • Chicken broth – 1 cup.
  • Half and half (or heavy cream) – ½ cup.
  • Shredded mozzarella – ½ cup.
  • Spinach – 3 cups.
  • Red pepper chili flakes, shredded Parmesan, and parsley – For garnish.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee.
  3. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-10 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

  1. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
  2. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
  4. Whisk in the chicken broth and heat for 1 minute.
  5. Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking continuously.
  6. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and whisk until melted and the sauce begins to thicken (2-3 minutes).

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

  1. Stir in the cooked potato gnocchi and spinach.
  2. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet.
  4. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with parsley, shredded Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper chili flakes.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe this Recipe

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Pre-Cooked Gnocchi – Speeds up prep time.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Aim for an internal temp of 165°F.
  • Make It Creamier – Use heavy cream instead of half and half.
  • Add More Veggies – Bell peppers or zucchini work great.

How to Serve

  • With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
  • With a Side Salad – A light, fresh salad balances the richness.
  • As a Standalone Meal – It’s hearty enough on its own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • Stovetop – Reheat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream.
  • Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work too, but they may be slightly less juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives.

What other greens can I use?
Kale or arugula make great substitutes for spinach.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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  • Author: Susan M. Garcia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, one-pan dish packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Sautéed mushrooms and spinach add depth, while Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes bring warmth and balance. A perfect weeknight comfort meal that comes together in just 40 minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4-6 thighs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee

For the Skillet

  • 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup white mushrooms, diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup half and half (or heavy whipping cream)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi, cooked according to package and drained
  • 3 cups fresh spinach

For Garnish

  • Red pepper chili flakes
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Sear the Chicken
    Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables
    Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender.

  4. Make the Sauce
    Whisk in the chicken broth, stirring for 1 minute until heated. Gradually pour in the half and half while continuously whisking. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and whisk for 2-3 minutes, until combined and slightly thickened.

  5. Combine Everything
    Stir in the cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Finish the Dish
    Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, letting them simmer for 2 minutes to warm through.

  7. Garnish and Serve
    Top with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Substitutions: You can swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms or white beans for protein.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650kcal
  • Sugar: g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
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