This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is the ultimate Christmas comfort dish. Tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a garlicky Parmesan sauce come together in one pan for a cozy holiday meal that feels like a warm hug.
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.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid overcooking the chicken. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.