There's nothing quite like a creamy, garlicky skillet meal to bring comfort to your dinner table. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, all smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce.

I first discovered this dish when looking for a way to use up a pack of gnocchi sitting in my pantry. One experiment later, it became a family favorite, making regular appearances on our weeknight menu. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious.

First off, this dish is quick and effortless. With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. No need to spend hours in the kitchen when you can whip up this flavorful meal in no time.

The creamy garlic sauce is absolutely irresistible. Made with a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sautéed garlic, it coats every bite in rich, velvety goodness.

You'll also love how hearty and satisfying this meal is. The gnocchi provides a perfect chewiness, while the tender chicken makes it a filling and protein-packed dish.

Best of all, it's a one-pan wonder! No extra pots or complicated steps—just one skillet and a handful of ingredients for a stress-free meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.

Gnocchi is the star of the show. These soft, pillowy potato dumplings soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or homemade if you have the time.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this dish. It cooks quickly, stays tender, and absorbs the flavors of the garlic sauce perfectly. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.

Garlic is essential to the flavor profile of this dish. Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most aromatic result, infusing the sauce with a warm, savory depth.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the rich, creamy sauce. The heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick that balances everything beautifully.

You'll need a large skillet to bring everything together smoothly. A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best to achieve that perfect sear on the chicken while allowing the sauce to simmer to perfection.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Creating this incredible dish is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a flawless Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet every time.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it get nice and hot. Then, add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor comes together. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer before adding the gnocchi.

Stir the gnocchi into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will soften as it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in the Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together, letting the cheese melt into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Let it simmer for another minute before removing from heat.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it's hard to resist finishing it all in one sitting), store them properly to enjoy later.

This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can easily revive it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

To reheat, warm it gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second increments, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the creamy sauce can break and the gnocchi may become too soft upon thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is how adaptable it is! Here are a few variations you might love:

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cornstarch to maintain creaminess without the extra fat.

Want to add some veggies? Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions, adding both color and extra nutrition to the dish.

If you're a seafood lover, consider replacing the chicken with shrimp or salmon for a delicious seafood twist.

For a little heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce, giving it a slight kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic flavor.

And if you're looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a satisfying meatless version.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!