Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients with robust flavors, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Gnocchi
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, which will infuse the base flavor for the sauce.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until they soften slightly, releasing their juices.
- Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts, mixing it well with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Create cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening.
- Combine gnocchi and chicken: Return the cooked gnocchi and chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat all ingredients well in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly to a luscious consistency.
- Serve: Serve the skillet hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired level of spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Using fresh baby spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients, but you can replace it with kale or arugula if desired.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi during boiling, as they will continue cooking in the skillet.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, noting the sauce will be less rich.
