Picture this: a snowy evening, Christmas music playing softly, and the cozy aroma of garlic and butter filling your kitchen. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet brings to the table a one-pan Christmas comfort dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and just a little indulgent. Perfect for sharing with family, friends, or that one neighbor who always shows up when something smells amazing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This isn’t your average weeknight dinner. It’s rich, hearty, and has that festive magic that makes everyone linger around the table. Tender chicken, golden gnocchi, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce come together in just 30 minutes no oven, no stress, all comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free substitute)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional for color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little Christmas heat)
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Cook the Chicken
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sear the Gnocchi
Add the remaining oil and gnocchi to the same skillet. Let them crisp for 3 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Make the Sauce
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in broth, scraping up those golden bits that’s pure holiday flavor. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
Combine
Return chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Add spinach or kale and let it wilt gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve Warm
Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. For a festive touch, top with roasted cherry tomatoes or a few red pepper flakes. Serve straight from the skillet for that cozy Christmas vibe.
Tips for a Perfect Holiday Skillet
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture it melts beautifully.
- Don’t rush the garlic. Let it sizzle gently so it infuses the sauce without burning.
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.
How to Serve It
Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet right from the pan it’s rustic, cozy, and very Christmas-dinner-chic. Pair with a crisp Winter Arugula Salad or warm Cheesy Garlic Bread for the perfect balance. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling cider doesn’t hurt either!
Festive Variations
- Add color: Stir in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a Christmas look.
- Make it indulgent: Toss in cooked bacon bits or crispy pancetta for extra flavor.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead.
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving too long it softens the gnocchi. This dish doesn’t freeze well, but it’s so good you won’t have leftovers anyway.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with freshly cooked gnocchi before serving.
What if I don’t have gnocchi?
You can substitute cooked pasta, but the gnocchi gives that pillowy holiday texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a rich but light version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is everything you want for Christmas dinner: cozy, creamy, and filled with love. It’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around and fills the house with warmth and laughter. So pour yourself some mulled wine, toss on a Christmas playlist, and let your skillet do the magic.
Try it this holiday season and share your version with us! Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy dishes, or say hi on Facebook we’d love to see your Christmas kitchen creations!
Equipment
- large skillet For cooking everything in one pan.
- Wooden spoon For stirring and deglazing.
- Knife and cutting board To prep chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional for color)
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes (optional for festive heat)
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil and gnocchi to the same skillet. Let them crisp for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in broth, scraping up those golden bits — that’s pure holiday flavor. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until silky and smooth.
- Return chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Stir to coat in the sauce. Add spinach or kale to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. For a festive touch, top with roasted cherry tomatoes or red pepper flakes.