Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh garlic and spinach, simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce, and tossed with soft gnocchi. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought, pre-cooked or ready to cook)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Add garlic and spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach has wilted.
- Create creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it fully melts into the sauce.
- Incorporate gnocchi: Fold in the pre-cooked gnocchi, mixing well so the gnocchi is coated with the creamy sauce. Heat through for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure everything is warm and flavors meld together.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve the skillet meal immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To save time, use store-bought gnocchi as directed on the package for pre-cooking or use fresh gnocchi if preferred.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy milk alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to get a good sear.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for melting and flavor, but pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch.
