Description

A creamy one-pan garlic chicken gnocchi skillet featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a flavorful cream sauce—ready in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb potato gnocchi (or gluten-free alternative)
1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1.5 tsp paprika
5 Tbsp butter or ghee, divided
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup white mushrooms, sliced
2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 3 Tbsp butter in the same pan. Add diced onion, sliced mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté 3–4 minutes until onion is translucent and mushrooms soften.
Pour in chicken broth and let simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping any browned bits.
Lower heat slightly and pour in half-and-half. Stir continuously, then add mozzarella. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
Add cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts and everything is coated in sauce.
Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until chicken is heated through.
Serve warm, garnished with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi.
Bone-in chicken thighs can be used; increase cooking time and sear skin-side first.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
To reduce calories, lighten up by using reduced-fat dairy or less butter.