Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate 30-minute meal that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a quick yet flavorful dish, this recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors in just a half-hour.

The garlic, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with golden brown chicken, and the gnocchi gives the dish an irresistible texture that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a truly special meal. You won’t believe how easy it is to make, and you won’t be able to stop coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. It takes just 30 minutes to make, and the combination of juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce is nothing short of amazing. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning easy cleanup! Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this simple yet delicious recipe will make you feel like a culinary pro. Perfect for any occasion, this skillet meal brings cozy comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

For the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Potato gnocchi
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet to suit your tastes:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: For a cheesy delight, top the dish with more grated mozzarella or add a handful of shredded cheese into the sauce before serving.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Let the mixture come to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi becomes tender.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to bitter, so keep an eye on it while sautéing. Just 30 seconds should be enough to release its flavor.
• Scrape the skillet: Be sure to scrape up any browned bits when adding the chicken broth. These little flavor bits will make your sauce extra delicious.
• Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer. For a creamier result, add a little more heavy cream.
• Gnocchi tips: If your gnocchi starts to get too soft, remove it from the heat sooner and let it finish cooking in the sauce.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread to make it a full meal. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, will complement the creamy richness of the dish beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezing

While this dish can be frozen, the gnocchi may become slightly mushy upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the gnocchi, and freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat the sauce thoroughly, then add freshly cooked gnocchi.

Reheating

Reheat the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little more cream or broth to loosen up the sauce as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi! Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the skillet.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I use another type of cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes! You can use mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or any other cheese that melts well.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though it may alter the richness of the sauce.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add in some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

6. How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi should be tender and floating in the sauce, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. It should not be mushy.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work great in this recipe. They’ll add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

9. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you need to use garlic powder, start with about 1/2 teaspoon, adjusting to taste.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just ensure you use a larger skillet and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce that’s perfect for busy nights or impressing your guests. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. So, grab your skillet and get ready to make this irresistible dish!

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