If you’re craving a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence all into one fabulous plate, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of golden, juicy chicken thighs swimming in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly paired with pillowy gnocchi and tender baby spinach. Every bite bursts with cozy, savory goodness that feels special yet comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight winner you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say the magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from creating that rich, creamy sauce to adding texture and earthy depth. These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s layered with flavor and invitingly satisfying.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps up beautifully for texture, while the bone keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every element by bringing out natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic profile, complementing the fresh garlic cloves in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crisp without sticking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for a silky smooth mouthfeel.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the recipe delivering that unmistakable, aromatic punch.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthy umami and a tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers richness and the luscious body of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens and balances the cream, infusing subtle savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a gentle herbal touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Warms the sauce with a blend of herbs, making it complex and comforting.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to keep things exciting, but you can leave it out if you prefer milder dishes.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty goodness that rounds it all out.
- 12 ounces potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully for a luscious texture contrast.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Introduces a pop of color and freshness, while wilting nicely into the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. These simple spices create the base flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden and irresistibly crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Lower your heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet to capture all the browned bits left behind by the chicken—this is flavor gold! Toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing them for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Next, add the potato gnocchi straight into the simmering sauce. Let them cook for about 3 minutes—the gnocchi will puff up and soak in all the creamy goodness. Toss the baby spinach into the skillet at this stage, stirring until it wilts down and adds a lovely burst of green freshness to the dish.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them among the gnocchi and spinach. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and everything melds beautifully, creating that stunning Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe you’re about to dive into.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe truly shine, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. Fresh chopped parsley or a little handful of chopped basil also adds a bright herbal note and pops of color that make every bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dish is already quite rich and filling, so I recommend serving it alongside something light and crisp. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus offer refreshing contrasts that balance the creamy texture and hearty chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken thighs atop a bed of gnocchi and spoon extra sauce generously over the top on individual plates. If you want a rustic feel, present the skillet directly in the center of the table so everyone can dig in family-style. Either way, the beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is the stunning presentation you get with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is totally possible, but hard!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, and it should keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Since this dish has cream, freezing isn’t ideal as the texture of the sauce may change and separate. If you want to prep ahead, cook the chicken and gnocchi separately and freeze them without the sauce. Reheat gently and add fresh sauce when ready to serve for the best result.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. This keeps things creamy and luscious, bringing back all the comforting flavors.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster and still taste delicious, though you’ll miss out on the crispy skin texture and some depth of flavor from the bone. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch can work, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. Coconut milk is another dairy-free alternative, though this will change the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Potato gnocchi is often gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be certain. If you can’t find gluten-free gnocchi, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower gnocchi, adjusting cooking times as needed.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth without overwhelming the palate. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out, and your dish will still taste amazing.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even peas to add different textures and flavors. Just add them along with the spinach to keep everything simple and cohesive.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, the flavors are rich, comforting, and so satisfying. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach, all tossed together with soft potato gnocchi for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Pasta
- 12 ounces potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs all over with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure flavorful meat.
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing.
- Sear Chicken Skin-Side Down: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown the other side. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter in the same skillet, using the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the mushrooms have softened.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes to build depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it fully melts into the sauce for creaminess.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the sauce, cooking them for about 3 minutes to allow them to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Add Baby Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, adding freshness and color to the dish.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy garlic chicken and gnocchi hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moistness.
- Feel free to substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for baby spinach.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add freshly ground black pepper at the end.
- For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less thick sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melt and taste.
