When comfort food meets weeknight ease, this Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet takes the lead. It’s one of those satisfying meals that wraps you up in flavor and warmth without taking hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken pieces, pan-seared to golden perfection, nestle into a garlicky, creamy sauce with pillowy gnocchi that soaks up every bit of savory goodness.

The beauty of this dish is how it manages to feel cozy and indulgent, yet it comes together in just one skillet. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a little luxury after a long day, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

This dish is made for lovers of bold, savory flavors with just the right amount of creaminess. It’s ideal for weeknights, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. The gnocchi becomes beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, and the garlic sauce ties everything together into one craveable skillet meal.

If you’re someone who enjoys Italian-inspired comfort food, you’ll find yourself making this one over and over. It also adapts well to what you have on hand, making it flexible for last-minute cooking.

Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi?

Absolutely! This recipe was designed with convenience in mind, and shelf-stable or refrigerated store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully here. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use homemade gnocchi, but the key is to get that slight crisp on the outside by pan-frying them before adding to the sauce.

Ingredients for the Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

This skillet pulls together everyday ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal with texture and depth. The key to success is balancing the savory chicken with the creamy garlic-forward sauce.

Chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
Gnocchi – The pillowy base of the dish; pan-searing adds texture.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold, savory depth.
Heavy cream – This makes the sauce luscious and rich.
Chicken broth – Adds flavor and thins out the cream to the perfect consistency.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for melting into the sauce.
Spinach – Stirred in at the end for color, texture, and a pop of nutrients.
Olive oil – Used to pan-fry both the chicken and gnocchi.
Butter – Adds richness to the garlic base of the sauce.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.

Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet (1)

How To Make the Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and cook the gnocchi until golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet. Stir in grated Parmesan and baby spinach. Let everything simmer until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm straight from the skillet for that rustic, homey feel.

How to Serve and Store This Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

This recipe feeds about 4 hungry people, making it ideal for family dinner or cozy date nights with leftovers. Serve it hot right out of the skillet with extra Parmesan grated over the top.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave, though you may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It keeps well for up to 3 days.