There's nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy, garlicky chicken gnocchi skillet on a chilly evening. The pillowy softness of gnocchi, combined with tender chicken and a luscious garlic cream sauce, makes for a dish that's as indulgent as it is easy to prepare.

I first fell in love with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. The simplicity of using store-bought gnocchi and a handful of staple ingredients meant I could whip up a meal that felt gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Now, it's a go-to dish in my household, perfect for when I need a little comfort on my plate.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Get ready to add this dish to your regular dinner rotation—it's that good!

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy nights when cooking feels like a chore.

The flavor is out of this world. A rich garlic cream sauce coats every bite of gnocchi, while the chicken adds heartiness. It's the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and just a hint of indulgence.

It's budget-friendly without compromising on taste. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home for a fraction of the cost.

One skillet = less cleanup. Who doesn’t love a meal that saves time on both cooking and dishes? This entire dish is made in a single pan, meaning you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes from simple yet flavorful ingredients that work together beautifully.

Gnocchi forms the base of this dish. I recommend using shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi for ease and convenience. They cook quickly and soak up the garlicky cream sauce perfectly.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but breasts are a great leaner option.

Garlic is the star of the show here, adding depth and aroma. Fresh minced garlic works best, but if you're in a pinch, pre-minced garlic or even garlic paste can work.

The sauce comes together with a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The cream adds richness, while the Parmesan provides a salty, nutty depth that takes the dish to the next level.

You'll also need butter and olive oil to cook the chicken and build the base of the sauce. The combination of both adds a balanced richness without being too heavy.

How To Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Making this dish is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and butter, then sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook until fragrant—this is where all the delicious garlic aroma starts to build. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth can help loosen it up.

Add the uncooked gnocchi straight into the sauce. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors as they cook, becoming soft and pillowy while thickening the sauce beautifully.

Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating will bring it back to its creamy consistency.

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the creamy sauce can become grainy and the gnocchi may lose their soft texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!

For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cornstarch to keep the sauce creamy without the extra richness.

Want to add some greens? Toss in a handful of spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly into the sauce.

Looking for a protein swap? Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Just cook the shrimp quickly in butter and garlic before making the sauce.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

Experiment and make this dish your own—no matter how you tweak it, you’ll end up with a comforting, creamy skillet meal that everyone will love!