Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in 30 Minutes is my go-to dinner when I want something fast, hearty, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce, everything cooks together in one pan—making cleanup easy and dinner feel indulgent. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just half an hour. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky goodness while staying soft and tender. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared, and the creamy sauce brings it all together with just the right amount of richness. It’s cozy, comforting, and endlessly customizable depending on what I have on hand. Best of all, I only need one skillet from start to finish.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. I season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. I remove the chicken and set it aside, then in the same skillet, I add more oil or butter and sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the gnocchi.

4. I bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is soft and the sauce has thickened.

5. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then return the chicken to the skillet.

6. If I’m using spinach, I stir it in now and cook until just wilted.

7. I finish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add mushrooms: I sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.

• Make it spicy: I add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.

• Use rotisserie chicken: I save time by using pre-cooked chicken—just add it when the gnocchi finishes cooking.

• Lighter version: I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a lighter sauce.

• Vegetarian option: I omit the chicken and use sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas for a meatless version.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It reheats well in the microwave too, but I stir halfway through for even heating. I avoid freezing this dish since the cream sauce and gnocchi texture don’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, I cook frozen gnocchi right in the sauce—just add a minute or two to the simmering time.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

I keep a little extra broth or cream on hand to thin it out if needed, especially after the gnocchi has cooked and absorbed liquid.

What kind of pan works best?

I use a deep, nonstick skillet or a large sauté pan with high sides to hold everything and prevent splatter.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based cream and skip the cheese, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Is this good for meal prep?

It’s great for meal prep! I store it in individual containers and reheat throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in 30 Minutes is everything I want in a weeknight meal—fast, flavorful, and completely comforting. It brings together juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, and a garlicky cream sauce in one easy pan. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself to a cozy night in, this dish always delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.