Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a mouthwatering, one-pan dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with pillowy gnocchi in a rich, garlicky sauce. This recipe is an ideal choice for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both simple and satisfying. The garlic-infused sauce brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and gnocchi, while the combination of cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese makes for a luscious and creamy finish. The best part? It’s made in a single skillet, making clean-up a breeze!

Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare or an indulgent meal for a cozy weekend gathering, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The flavors are rich, the textures are delightful, and it’s a dish that can easily be customized to your liking.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of preparing this delicious skillet dish, share tips to make it even better, and suggest fun variations to try. Get ready for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Simple and Quick: With minimal prep time and only one pan to clean, this recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes!
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish, coating the gnocchi and chicken in a savory, satisfying flavor.
• Perfectly Balanced: The dish has a great balance of protein from the chicken, carbs from the gnocchi, and healthy fats from the butter and cream. This ensures a filling meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy.
• Customizable: The recipe is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes. You can swap the chicken for another protein, add veggies, or try different seasonings to make it your own.
• Comforting and Hearty: Gnocchi has a soft, pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky sauce, creating a comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550-600 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Gnocchi

Begin by cooking the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the surface when they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and set them aside. This will be the base of your skillet dish.

You can use either fresh or packaged gnocchi for this recipe, depending on what’s available. Fresh gnocchi tends to have a softer texture, while packaged gnocchi is more durable and takes slightly longer to cook.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

For best results, make sure to use a large skillet to allow the chicken pieces to cook evenly. You can also add a bit of extra olive oil if needed to prevent the chicken from sticking.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken up. The cream will create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.

4. Add the Cheese and Seasoning

Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Parmesan cheese adds both creaminess and a nutty, savory flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can substitute some of the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a little bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

5. Combine the Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet as well, tossing everything together until the gnocchi is coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.

Make sure to gently toss the gnocchi so it doesn’t break apart. The soft texture of the gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful and delicious.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the dish is fully combined and heated, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. The lemon will complement the richness of the sauce and add a nice zesty contrast.

This dish is best served immediately, while the gnocchi is still warm and the sauce is creamy and smooth. You can serve it as-is or pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Use Fresh Gnocchi for Best Texture: If possible, opt for fresh gnocchi rather than frozen or shelf-stable varieties. Fresh gnocchi has a lighter, airier texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can become bitter if it’s overcooked, so be sure to cook it just until fragrant. Stir it constantly while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Customize the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes. For a lighter sauce, add a little more chicken broth or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the skillet. Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions that pair well with the garlic chicken and gnocchi.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet helps to retain heat and provides even cooking, making it the perfect pan for this dish. If you don’t have one, a large nonstick skillet will work as well.

Variations of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Shrimp and Gnocchi Skillet: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a lighter, seafood-inspired version of this dish. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the garlicky cream sauce.
• Vegetarian Garlic Gnocchi Skillet: For a meatless option, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add extra spinach or arugula for added greens.
• Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi Skillet: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the skillet for a boost of nutrition. The spinach will wilt down nicely in the sauce and add a burst of color.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Add a little extra zing by incorporating lemon zest and a bit more lemon juice into the garlic sauce. The citrus will enhance the richness of the cream sauce and add a fresh, bright flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: For those who like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the sauce for an extra kick. This version pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

While this dish can be frozen, the gnocchi’s texture may change upon reheating, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

While the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a complete meal on its own, here are a few side dish ideas to enhance the meal:

• Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the richness of the gnocchi skillet.
• Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness of roasted asparagus balances out the creamy, garlicky sauce, making it an excellent side dish.
• Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, there’s no better side than a warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread to dip in the extra sauce from the skillet.
• Sautéed Green Beans: Green beans sautéed in olive oil and garlic are a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy gnocchi dish.

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Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is an incredibly satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, garlicky sauce in a single skillet. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, combined with the garlic and Parmesan, elevates the dish, while the gnocchi adds a soft and hearty texture that makes every bite irresistible.

With endless customization options and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Try it today and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet—it’s the perfect dish for any occasion!