There's nothing quite like a creamy, garlicky skillet meal to bring comfort to your dinner table. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a one-pan wonder, packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. It's the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something cozy and satisfying.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. A quick rummage through my pantry led me to a forgotten package of gnocchi, and with a little creativity, this dish was born. Now, it's a regular in our household, loved for its creamy texture and irresistible garlicky flavor.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-pan meal. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is packed with flavor, creamy goodness, and comes together effortlessly.

First off, it's quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes—no need to juggle multiple pots and pans.

It’s also incredibly satisfying. The gnocchi soaks up the creamy garlic sauce, creating a rich, velvety bite in every forkful. Plus, the tender, juicy chicken adds the perfect amount of protein to keep you full and happy.

Budget-friendly and versatile, this recipe makes use of pantry staples. You can swap in different proteins or veggies, making it a great way to use up what you have on hand.

Best of all, it’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters can’t resist the comforting combination of garlic, cream, and soft, pillowy gnocchi.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Every component plays a role in creating a creamy, garlicky masterpiece.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. You could also use chicken thighs for an even juicier result.

Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work perfectly. No need to pre-cook them—when simmered in the sauce, they absorb all the garlicky, creamy goodness.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to building deep, savory flavor. Minced garlic releases its essence into the sauce, making every bite irresistibly fragrant.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture. If you prefer something lighter, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly, ensuring the perfect consistency.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large skillet with a lid to help the gnocchi cook evenly in the sauce.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Creating this dish is incredibly simple, and everything comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the gnocchi. Stir to coat, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors and become tender as it simmers in the creamy sauce.

Once the gnocchi is tender, remove the lid and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well coated. Let the sauce thicken slightly for another 1-2 minutes.

Finish off with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!

Storage Options

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well for a quick meal the next day.

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

For reheating, warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate and the texture of the gnocchi may become mushy upon thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful meat-free version.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace half the cream with milk for a lighter sauce.
Add extra veggies: Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas at the end for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

The beauty of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is that you can tweak it to fit your tastes and what you have on hand. No matter how you make it, one thing is guaranteed—it'll be absolutely delicious!