Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Recipe – Easy One-Pan Dinner

Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly? This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi recipe is the ultimate one-pan dinner. Made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce, this dish is both hearty and satisfying.

The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The golden seared chicken pairs beautifully with the soft gnocchi, while the creamy sauce ties everything together for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a dinner the whole family will love.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 4-6 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese and thyme, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken

Add the gnocchi to the creamy sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and are heated through. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Finish with Greens

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

1. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid mushy texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Cream: This prevents the sauce from breaking when you add it.
3. Fresh Garlic is Key: Pre-minced garlic won’t give you the same robust flavor as fresh cloves.
4. Season in Layers: Taste and adjust seasoning at each step for the best flavor development.
5. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce butter
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute flour with cornstarch
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic

Storage and Reheating

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

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in uneven heating.

Freezing: While possible, the texture of the gnocchi and cream sauce may change upon thawing. If freezing, consume within 1 month.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich garlic cream sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!