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Ultra close-up macro of bubbling creamy garlic herb chicken and gnocchi skillet

Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet

Tender golden seared chicken chunks and pillowy potato gnocchi simmered in a velvety garlic parmesan herb cream sauce with wilted baby spinach. A comforting, restaurant-worthy 25-minute skillet dinner made completely in one pan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Seared Chicken & Seasonings
  • 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Gnocchi & Garlic Aromatics
  • 1 lb (16 oz) shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi uncooked, no pre-boiling needed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves plus sprigs for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
The Luscious Garlic Herb Sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken bone broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • 2.5 cups fresh baby spinach leaves washed and dried
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional, chef secret)

Method
 

Season & Sear Chicken
  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden brown. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Crisp Gnocchi
  1. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the pan. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi develop light golden toasted crusts on the outside. Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary during the last minute, tossing until wildly fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce & Soften Gnocchi
  1. Pour in chicken bone broth, scraping up all the savory caramelized chicken fond from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until gnocchi are fork-tender and pillowy, and the sauce has naturally reduced into a glossy, velvety consistency.
Fold in Spinach & Parmesan
  1. Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and grated nutmeg until completely melted into the sauce. Add fresh baby spinach and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted and vibrant emerald green.
Return Chicken & Serve
  1. Nestle the seared golden chicken bites (and any resting juices) back into the simmering skillet. Allow to warm through for 1 minute. Garnish with shaved parmesan, fresh thyme, and a crack of coarse black pepper. Serve warm straight from the skillet!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 34gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2.8mg

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