If you are searching for a comforting yet vibrant dish that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving, the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your new go-to. This dish marries tender chicken pieces with pillowy gnocchi, all brightened by fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a fragrant hit of garlic. Every bite delivers layers of flavor with ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, it will become a firm favorite you’ll want on rotation.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients that are easy to find, each playing an important role in creating a deliciously balanced and colorful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. From the juicy chicken and soft gnocchi to the fresh greens and savory cheese, these components come together effortlessly to delight your taste buds.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
Olive oil: The perfect medium for sautéing chicken and garlic, adding richness without overpowering.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives that essential aromatic punch that defines this dish.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy sweetness and add a pop of vibrant color.
Dried Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, and friends combine to add a fragrant herbal backdrop.
Gnocchi: Pillowy little potato dumplings that soak up the flavors beautifully and create a hearty base.
Spinach: Roughly chopped to add freshness, vibrant green color, and nutritional boost.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that brings everything together.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a bright, herby note to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the foundation for your skillet with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that brings protein and heartiness to the dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aromatic Depth

After removing the chicken, add the minced garlic directly to the skillet. Sauté for roughly one minute, just until you can smell that intoxicating garlic aroma. It’s important to keep a close eye here because garlic can burn easily and develop bitterness. This step unlocks the bold, fragrant essence that truly elevates the entire meal.

Step 3: Cook Cherry Tomatoes with Italian Herbs

Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with the dried Italian herbs. Let them cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their sweet, tangy juices. This creates a lightly saucy base that coats every inch of your skillet, infusing the gnocchi and chicken with fresh, Mediterranean flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Gnocchi

While your tomato mixture simmers, cook the gnocchi in a separate pot according to package instructions. Usually, this means boiling them until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set aside. This quick step brings tender, fluffy little pillows that soak up all the marvelous flavors in the skillet.

Step 5: Combine Gnocchi and Spinach in the Skillet

Return cooked gnocchi to the skillet and add the chopped spinach. Gently toss everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly and the gnocchi to warm up as it mingles with the tomato and chicken mix. This step multiplies the color and nutrition, giving you layers of taste and texture in every bite.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Seasoning

Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. This ingredient gives the dish a creamy, salty boost that makes it extra comforting and rich. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stirring in cheese last ensures it melts just right without clumping.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a final pop of bright green freshness. The parsley not only adds color but also a subtle herby note, rounding out the flavors perfectly before serving your beautiful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to hungry guests or family members.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garnishes

Finishing touches are everything when it comes to presentation and flavor. Fresh parsley is a must for its vivid color and mild herby freshness, but you can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan for an indulgent look and taste. A light drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can add a silky richness, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Because the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, side dishes should remain simple. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness or some garlic bread to scoop up every bit of that garlicky goodness. Roasted vegetables would add warmth and variety without overwhelming the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at a dinner party or family meal, try serving this skillet family-style right from the pan, so everyone can help themselves to its comforting goodness. Another inspired idea is plating it individually with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes for subtle heat. Adding a lemon wedge on the side also brings a fresh zing that balances the richness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it promptly after the meal to maintain freshness and flavor. When reheated, the flavors deepen and blend, making it just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the skillet if needed. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes in the gnocchi, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve the dish’s wonderful consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet gently over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm everything evenly. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to revive the saucy texture. For a quick option, microwaving in short bursts while stirring will also do the trick without sacrificing taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well; just follow package instructions for cooking times. They usually boil a little longer than fresh ones, but the flavors will still marry beautifully in the skillet.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you’re out of Parmesan or want a different twist, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives that bring a similar salty, tangy kick to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional gnocchi often contains wheat flour, so this recipe may not be gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi varieties at many stores that make this a gluten-free-friendly meal.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would add wonderful textures and flavors. Just sauté them along with the garlic or tomatoes to integrate seamlessly into the skillet.

How spicy is the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

This dish is naturally mild with bright, savory flavors. If you prefer a kick, adding red pepper flakes when cooking garlic or garnishing with chili flakes works perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a truly magical dish that brings together simplicity, flavor, and comfort all in one pan. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. I encourage you to make it soon and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple on your dinner table. You won’t regret it!

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe combining tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a savory garlic herb sauce topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Cook Gnocchi: In a separate pot, cook gnocchi according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Heat: Add cooked gnocchi and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Gnocchi can be substituted with potato gnocchi or sweet potato gnocchi for different flavors.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs for a brighter taste.
Ensure not to overcook the gnocchi; they are done when they float to the top of boiling water.
You can add a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture if the skillet looks dry.
This recipe can be doubled to serve more people.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 430
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Garlic chicken gnocchi, Italian skillet dinner, quick chicken gnocchi recipe, easy chicken and gnocchi skillet