Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner recipe—Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet! This easy skillet dinner combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce for a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. If you’re a fan of one-pan chicken recipes, this dish will surely impress your taste buds while saving you time in the kitchen!
Introduction
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and comfort food, making it an ideal weeknight dinner idea. With a creamy garlic sauce and soft gnocchi, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and simple. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable for different dietary preferences, making it a must-try for lovers of chicken skillet recipes.
Did you know? Gnocchi, the soft potato dumplings we adore, have been a staple of Italian cuisine since the 16th century. In this recipe, they soak up the creamy garlic sauce, making each bite heavenly!
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces) (Best for one-pan chicken meals)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) (A classic Italian comfort food)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (Adds rich flavor to the creamy garlic sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (For that creamy texture in your skillet dinner)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium) (Keeps the gnocchi tender and juicy)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Perfect for a cheesy, creamy finish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (Classic seasoning for chicken skillet recipes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Optional Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi (available at most stores)
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – Step by Step
Step1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step2: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Step3: Deglaze the Pan and Cook the Gnocchi
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. (This adds rich flavor to the creamy garlic sauce!)
- Add the gnocchi, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender.
Step4: Add Cream and Simmer
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi.
Step5: Add Chicken and Cheese
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the dish is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Helpful Tips for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and a beautiful sear on the chicken.
- Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from breaking.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Brown the Chicken: Achieve a golden sear for the best flavor.
- Simmer Slowly: Cook the sauce on medium-low to avoid curdling.
- Add Cheese Last: Stir in Parmesan off heat for a smooth, creamy finish.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve with a side of Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This hearty dish is packed with nutrients:
- Protein: Supports muscle growth (from chicken and Parmesan)
- Carbs: Provides energy (from gnocchi)
- Calcium: Strengthens bones (from Parmesan cheese)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Calcium: 15% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. (Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.)
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly in this easy skillet recipe.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use half-and-half instead of cream, add spinach or zucchini, and use whole-wheat gnocchi.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi, which is available at most grocery stores.
4. What’s the best pan for this recipe?
A cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan works best for even heat distribution.
Related Recipes for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Lovers
Explore more dinner ideas as :
-
Cheesy Beef and Noodles Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner
-
Scallion Chicken Recipe – Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Conclusion
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe: quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it your own with just a few swaps. Whether you’re making it for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Try this recipe and share your version in the comments! We’d love to hear your favorite additions or modifications. Bon appétit!
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe – Easy Dinner Idea
Description
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner recipe—Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet! This easy skillet dinner combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce for a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. If you’re a fan of one-pan chicken recipes, this dish will surely impress your taste buds while saving you time in the kitchen!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1lb of boneless non-skinless breasts of chicken (cut in bite-sized chunks) (Best for one-pan chicken dishes)
- 1 2 lb potato Gnocchi (store-bought or home-cooked) (A classic Italian comfort food)
- 6 cloves of garlic chopped ( Adds rich flavor to the garlic sauce’s creamy flavor)
- 1 cup of heavy cream ( For that smooth texture you get from your skillet meal)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (low sodium) ( Keeps the Gnocchi soft and juicy)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese ( Perfect for the perfect creamy, cheesy finish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( For sauteing the chicken until golden)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs ( Classic seasoning for recipes using chicken skillets)
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt to your taste
- The fresh basil leaves to garnish
Optional Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-Free Choose gluten-free gnocchi (available in most shops)
- Dairy-Free Switch heavy cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan to substitute for nutritional yeast.
- Hot: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to provide the heat
Instructions
Step1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step2: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Step3: Deglaze the Pan and Cook the Gnocchi
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. (This adds rich flavor to the creamy garlic sauce!)
- Add the gnocchi, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender.
Step4: Add Cream and Simmer
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the gnocchi.
Step5: Add Chicken and Cheese
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the dish is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →Notes
- brown the Chicken: Achieve a golden sear to ensure the most delicious taste.
- Slowly simmer: Cook the sauce on medium-low so that it doesn’t curdle.
- Add Cheese Then: Stir in Parmesan off the heat to create a creamy, smooth finish.