Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate one-pan comfort dish — rich creamy and deeply satisfying yet lightened with fresh herbs and bright Mediterranean ingredients. Soft pillowy gnocchi is paired with tender seared chicken sun-dried tomatoes garlic and a velvety sauce made with dairy or dairy-free options. It’s cozy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests and it all comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Naturally adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets it’s a Mediterranean dream in every bite.
Time Required
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken and Gnocchi:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs sliced into strips
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
4 garlic cloves minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
2 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale
1 cup unsweetened plant-based or regular cream (coconut cream or cashew cream work well)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan or dairy-free alternative
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt pepper oregano and paprika. Sauté 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sear the Gnocchi
In the same skillet add another 1 tbsp olive oil. Add gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to get a golden crust then stir occasionally for another 2–3 minutes. Set aside with the chicken.
Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes start to soften. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Finish the Dish
Pour in the cream and stir in the Parmesan. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Toss to coat and warm everything through.
Serve
Finish with lemon zest juice and fresh herbs. Serve warm straight from the skillet.
Tips for Best Results
Use shelf-stable gnocchi if short on time — it crisps beautifully right in the skillet without boiling.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the gnocchi or chicken — work in batches if needed to keep it golden not soggy.
Deglaze if needed — if bits stick to the pan before adding cream splash in a bit of broth or lemon juice to lift flavor.
Taste before serving — the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add salt so adjust seasoning last.
Simmer the sauce gently — too high heat can cause cream to separate especially if using dairy-free options.
Reheat slowly — to maintain the creamy texture warm leftovers over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Variations
Swap the Cream
Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or oat cream for a dairy-free version
Prefer a lighter sauce Try unsweetened almond milk thickened with a touch of flour or starch
Add Veggies
Stir in roasted red peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, or zucchini for more Mediterranean flair
Add frozen peas or steamed broccoli to bulk it up
Protein Options
Sub in shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a pescatarian or vegetarian version
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
Gnocchi Alternatives
Try cauliflower gnocchi or gluten-free gnocchi if needed
Want to skip gnocchi Use cooked orzo, couscous, or chickpeas as a base
Flavor Boosters
Finish with chili flakes or za’atar for spice
Garnish with toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta for extra texture and depth
Q and A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi or do I have to boil it first?
A No boiling needed If using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi you can pan-sear it directly for a crispy golden texture
Q Can this be made dairy free?
A Yes use coconut cream or cashew cream and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese
Q How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or plant milk
Q Can I make it vegetarian?
A Absolutely Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms tofu or canned chickpeas for plant-based protein
Q Is this gluten free?
A Not by default but you can use gluten-free gnocchi available at many health food stores
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate for 1 of 4 portions)
Calories 480
Protein 32g
Fat 22g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 520mg
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a cozy one-skillet meal that brings together indulgent comfort and fresh Mediterranean ingredients in under 30 minutes It’s creamy satisfying and full of bold herby flavor — perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining Whether you keep it classic or try a variation this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort and cleanup A weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again