Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe! Every bite is a cozy embrace of pillowy gnocchi, tender bites of golden chicken, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce that clings to every morsel. The medley of spinach and a delicate touch of Italian seasoning add vibrant color and freshness, making this dish perfect for everything from a comforting weeknight dinner to a show-stopping meal for friends. If you’re craving something rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is about to become a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is its short list of ingredients—each pulling serious weight when it comes to flavor and comfort. You’ll see how pantry staples and a handful of fresh touches work together to create pure, creamy bliss.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender chicken soaks up all that luscious sauce and holds its shape beautifully in the skillet.
• Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy richness and helps the chicken achieve a gorgeous golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Melds with the oil for a silky base and infuses every bite with buttery flavor.
• Garlic: The star of the show; fresh minced garlic perfumes the entire dish with irresistible aroma.
• Chicken broth: Provides savory depth to the sauce while keeping things light enough to balance the cream.
• Heavy cream: The secret to a velvety, full-bodied sauce that hugs each piece of gnocchi and chicken.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers on flavor and brings the whole dish together.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings, but essential for making the other flavors sing.
• Potato gnocchi: These delicate dumplings cook right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of creamy goodness.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a pop of fresh flavor right at the end.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle just before serving makes everything look and taste fresh.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating both olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Give them a generous seasoning with salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns beautifully golden on the outside and is just cooked through. This initial sear is what locks in those juicy flavors that make the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe so irresistible.

Step 2: Add Garlic Aromatics

With your chicken sizzling away, it’s time to invite the minced garlic to the party. Sprinkle the garlic over the chicken and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine. Be sure not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned. This is where the gorgeous garlic essence infuses the entire base of the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to deglaze the pan and free up all those flavor-packed brown bits. Next, bring everything to a gentle simmer before stirring in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re a fan of a subtle kick). Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes; it should begin to thicken and take on a glossy sheen, promising pure comfort in every spoonful.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet—no need to boil them separately! Stir to thoroughly coat each little dumpling in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The gnocchi will become soft, tender, and infused with the garlic-Parmesan flavors as they soak up the sauce.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Gently fold in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, just until the leaves are wilted but still vibrant green. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; sometimes a little more salt or pepper brings it all together. This finishing touch adds color, freshness, and nutrition to the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the entire dish before serving. The parsley not only brightens the flavors but also adds a welcoming splash of green that makes every serving extra appealing. Now you’re ready to dig in and savor every bite!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch for this dish, offering brightness and herbal freshness that balance the creamy richness. If you want to be extra fancy, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan always adds a little bite and elevation—don’t hesitate to add both!

Side Dishes

The Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is plenty hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a classic Italian feel, serve with buttery garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light green bean almondine also complement the flavors and textures wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy presentation, try serving the creamy chicken and gnocchi in shallow bowls or large pasta plates. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan, and nestle a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze on just before eating—zesty, tangy flavor wakes up the dish. You can also scoop individual portions into mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe stores surprisingly well! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully, making leftovers especially tasty the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this recipe, though keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often and adding a splash of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between sessions, to prevent the sauce from overheating or breaking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Save time by stirring in pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken during the step where you combine everything with the sauce. It’ll soak up the flavors and make dinner even faster.

Is there a good substitute for spinach?

Kale is a delicious swap for spinach—just chop it finely and add it a few minutes earlier, as it takes a bit longer to wilt. You could also try arugula for a peppery twist or even Swiss chard.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There are several brands of gluten-free potato gnocchi available in most supermarkets. Just double-check labels for any hidden gluten in the gnocchi or other packaged ingredients.

What kind of gnocchi should I buy?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works perfectly here; look for it in the pasta aisle of your store. If you have access to fresh gnocchi or want to make your own, the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe will be even more pillowy and luxurious.

How can I adjust the spice level?

The red pepper flakes bring a subtle heat, so feel free to use more or less as needed—or leave them out entirely if you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice. You can always spice things up at the table with a pinch more.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal to your regular rotation, this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe checks every box for ease, flavor, and pure cozy satisfaction. Give it a try and you might just find it becoming your weeknight go-to or new dinner party signature!

Print