Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a cozy dish perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy, garlicky meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a breeze for any home cook. With tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, it’s sure to please the whole family. Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you’ve got a dish that feels special yet so simple.
Why You Will Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one skillet. That means less mess and fuss for you! It’s also packed with flavor, combining garlic, cream, and cheese for a rich experience. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it great for family dinners.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Cooking this dish is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by cooking bite-sized chicken pieces until they get a lovely golden color. After that, you’ll mix in garlic and chicken broth, add gnocchi, and stir in some cream. It all comes together quickly, creating a comforting meal without any advanced cooking skills needed.
What You Need
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This dish is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A crusty loaf of bread is also a great addition for soaking up that creamy sauce. It’s perfect for family meals and can even impress company when served at gatherings.
How to Store Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it can become bitter if burned.
- Adjust the cream to your taste for a richer or lighter sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different flavor.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the chicken for diced turkey or cooked sausage for a different protein.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Add in some spinach or kale for extra greens; they cook quickly and add a nice touch.
FAQs
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and gnocchi, and just follow the cooking steps when you’re ready. However, it’s best to cook it just before serving to enjoy the creamy texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to two months. Make sure it is in an airtight container, and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a bit of chicken broth or cream to help bring back the creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad, sautéed vegetables, or garlic bread pairs perfectly. You could also serve it with a light wine for a nice touch.
What should I avoid when making this recipe?
Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Also, avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as they should be tender but not mushy. Keeping these tips in check will ensure a delightful meal.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Use fresh chicken for better flavor.
- 1 lb potato gnocchi Fresh gnocchi is recommended for best texture.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adjust according to your preference for a richer or lighter sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more cheese for a cheesier dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Use extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Adjust seasoning according to preference.
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves Adds flavor and a nice presentation.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
