Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Introduction

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a savory, soul-warming dish that brings together succulent chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce—all cooked to perfection in one pan. The gnocchi soaks up the flavorful sauce, while the tender chicken adds protein and heartiness. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? You get a full, satisfying dinner with minimal clean-up!

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a family dinner. The smell of garlic and cream filling the air was absolutely irresistible, and the creamy, garlicky sauce paired so wonderfully with the soft gnocchi. It’s the type of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager to dig in.

One of the things I love about this dish is its versatility—you can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or even throw in some Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Whether you serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce or simply enjoy it on its own, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a meal that never disappoints. Easy to make, comforting, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love?

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Comfort food lovers
• Garlic and chicken enthusiasts
• One-pan meal fans

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Here’s why Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet will become your new go-to recipe:

• One-Pan Wonder: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic sauce brings a rich and creamy texture to the dish, perfectly coating the gnocchi and chicken.
• Tender Gnocchi: Gnocchi becomes pillowy soft as it cooks in the skillet, absorbing all the savory goodness from the sauce.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to suit your tastes or make it even heartier.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you still want a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 oz package gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb all the garlic and seasoning flavors.
• Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the dish, offering a hearty, satisfying texture.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the sauce, making it velvety and perfect for coating the gnocchi.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, contributing a nutty, salty flavor that brings the dish together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

Prepare the Skillet:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (for fresh gnocchi, they usually take about 2-3 minutes to float to the surface). Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce: Add the butter (if using) to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
4. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Chicken, Gnocchi, and Parmesan: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy coating for the chicken and gnocchi.
6. Simmer and Combine: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve and Garnish:

7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor, if desired. Serve the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet immediately, either on its own or with a side salad and some crusty bread.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Standalone Meal: This hearty dish is filling on its own, making it the perfect one-pan dinner.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
• With Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is a great addition to help scoop up the creamy sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious balance.

Additional Tips for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Here are some tips to ensure your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, use fresh gnocchi for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shelf-stable gnocchi works just as well, though.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth or cream.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to make this dish even heartier.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.

Recipe Variations for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Here are 10 variations you can try for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

• Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet: Add fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of color and nutrition.
• Mushroom Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory, earthy flavor that complements the garlic sauce.
• Pesto Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto for an herby, aromatic twist.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note.
• Bacon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the top for a smoky, crispy garnish.
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken Gnocchi: Double the Parmesan cheese for an even richer, cheesier sauce.
• Tomato Basil Chicken Gnocchi: Add fresh or canned tomatoes and basil for a fresh, summery flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Stir in red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spicy kick.
• Herb Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an aromatic infusion.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

Freezing and Storage for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet easier:

• Large Skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and gnocchi in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the cream, broth, and seasoning.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saver for this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it. Just be sure to store it properly and add a bit of extra cream when reheating if the sauce thickens too much.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free gnocchi, and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes to customize it to your liking.

5. What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well in this recipe. Fresh gnocchi will have a softer texture, while shelf-stable gnocchi may be a bit firmer.

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Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. The creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi make for a perfect combination that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s quick, versatile, and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight meal or serving it to guests, this skillet meal is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.