Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken bites, sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and delicate spinach tossed with pillowy gnocchi. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in boiling water according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and chopped spinach to the skillet with the tomatoes and chicken. Toss gently to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted if necessary.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- If fresh spinach is not available, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be used.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Gnocchi can be cooked directly in the skillet with the chicken, but boiling separately ensures a better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, quick chicken dinner, Italian skillet recipe, one-pan chicken gnocchi, easy weeknight meal
