Name: 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

I absolutely love sharing my favorite cozy, flavorful dishes with friends, and this 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I want something comforting yet fuss-free. The creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken bites, and pillowy gnocchi come together in just half an hour to create a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but just as enjoyable for casual weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

From my very first bite, I was hooked on the incredible flavor combination in this dish. The garlic isn’t overpowering but instead infuses every bite with warmth and depth, balanced perfectly by the creamy sauce and tender Parmesan. The chicken pieces soak up those flavors beautifully, while the gnocchi adds a satisfying chewy texture that makes the entire skillet feel like a hug on a plate. I love the richness paired with the subtle herb notes that bring everything together so effortlessly.

Another reason I adore this 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. I’m all about recipes that feel fancy but actually save me time, and this skillet fits the bill perfectly. You just toss everything in one pan, and it cooks quickly with minimal cleanup afterward. Whether I’m making dinner for a busy weeknight or hosting friends and craving something hearty yet uncomplicated, this recipe delivers every single time. I honestly think it’s one of those go-to meals that you’ll want to keep in your repertoire forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white shallow dish filled with a thick, creamy orange sauce that covers soft gnocchi pieces. The sauce has green herb pieces, likely basil, scattered on top and mixed within, creating green streaks and small leaf shapes throughout. The gnocchi are plump and slightly rounded, visible under the sauce. A silver spoon is partially sunk into the sauce on the left side of the dish, scooping some gnocchi with sauce dripping around it. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, adding a soft texture below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What I love about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy, garlicky goodness that defines this skillet — from the tender chicken to the luscious cream and Parmesan. Together, they strike the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
1 lb potato gnocchi: These delicate pillows soak up the sauce and add such a comforting chewiness.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic in my kitchen!
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky sauce that ties the whole dish together.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps simmer the gnocchi perfectly.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for an irresistible, cheesy finish.
2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the garlic to fragrant perfection.
1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A blend that enhances the flavor with classic Mediterranean notes.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—always adjust to taste.
Fresh basil leaves: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and aroma.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season them generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes beautifully fragrant. Be mindful not to burn it—garlic can go from perfect to bitter in seconds, so keep an eye and a nose on it!

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These little nuggets hold so much flavor and are what make this sauce truly stand out.

Step 4: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the gnocchi getting tender and beginning to soak up the broth, which is exactly what we want.

Step 5: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and takes on that luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce and the chicken is fully reheated. The sauce will thicken even more now, clinging beautifully to the gnocchi and chicken.

Step 7: Give your skillet a final taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remember, seasoning is a personal thing—more can always be added but never taken away once mixed in.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Prep time is minimal — about 5 minutes to chop the chicken and mince the garlic. Cooking takes roughly 25 minutes from start to finish, so your total time in the kitchen is around 30 minutes. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed since this dish is best enjoyed hot off the stove when the sauce is still creamy and silky.

How to Serve This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with a creamy orange sauce full of small, round pieces of food that look soft and cooked through. The sauce has a smooth and thick texture with some herbs sprinkled on top for color. On one side of the plate, there are two small pieces of toasted bread topped with green herbs, adding a fresh look to the dish. A silver spoon rests on the edge of the plate, ready to scoop the food. The background features a white marbled texture, giving a clean and simple setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this skillet-style meal right from the pan for a rustic, homey vibe, garnished generously with fresh basil leaves for that lovely pop of green and fresh scent. The creamy garlic sauce is decadent enough that I usually keep the sides simple — a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables work beautifully to balance the richness.

For presentation, you can sprinkle a bit more Parmesan over each portion and maybe a few chili flakes if you want to add a subtle heat contrast. Plating in shallow bowls works great to highlight the sauce and make it easy to dig in. I tend to serve this warm but not piping hot, as the flavors mellow and deepen as it cools just slightly.

When it comes to drinks, I love pairing this with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a crisp apple cider complements the garlic and herbs well. This recipe shines for weeknight dinners but also makes an impressive casual meal for friends and family gatherings.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve tried swapping chicken breasts for thighs, which adds a bit more juiciness and deeper flavor to the dish. Another fun twist is using turkey or even shrimp if you’re craving seafood. For the gnocchi, I’ve experimented with sweet potato versions, which lend a subtle sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the garlic sauce.

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just be sure to find gnocchi made from gluten-free ingredients — there are excellent options in most grocery stores these days. For a vegan version, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu, use plant-based cream and broth, and vegan Parmesan alternatives. The garlic and herbs will still make it just as comforting and flavorful.

For extra flavor, sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach toward the end of cooking. You could also try finishing the skillet with a quick broil for a minute or two to get a slightly crisp top layer. The flexibility of this recipe lets you adapt it to whatever you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass containers if possible, as they help maintain the texture and are easy to reheat without unwanted plastic flavors.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though I prefer to freeze it without the cream sauce or add it fresh after thawing to maintain the best texture. If you do freeze the whole skillet, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for about 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to break down the sauce texture and dries out the chicken. Bringing it back slowly preserves that creamy, luscious consistency I love in this 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh or refrigerated. Just add a minute or two to the simmering time to make sure they cook through and get tender in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can chop the chicken and mince the garlic ahead of time, and even cook the chicken early, but I recommend waiting to add the cream and Parmesan until you’re ready to serve for the freshest flavor and best sauce texture.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick after cooking?

If your sauce thickens more than you like, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or cream while reheating to loosen it up and get that perfect silky consistency again.

Can I add vegetables to this skillet?

Definitely! I enjoy tossing in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so veggies don’t become mushy.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe a try—it’s one of my all-time favorite quick meals that still feels special and delicious. The seamless blend of creamy, garlicky goodness with tender chicken and soft gnocchi just hits every comfort food note I crave. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I promise this one will quickly become a beloved weeknight classic in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.