Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken thighs simmered in a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and pillowy potato gnocchi. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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
Main
- 12 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Once cooked to a beautiful golden color, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet to utilize the flavorful drippings. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and mushrooms are softened.
- Build the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Season the sauce with dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the sauce and cook for approximately 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Add Spinach and Combine: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, incorporating vibrant greens into the dish.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken and gnocchi hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor. Enjoy your comforting and rich meal!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less thick.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
