Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite vegetables or alternative cheeses.
- Comforting Flavors: Combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients for a hearty dish.
Ingredients
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze and Cook Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the gnocchi and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
- Add Cream: 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.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with Gorgonzola or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring often. Note that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon reheating.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy and rich.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring often. The texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon reheating.
Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi?
Yes, pre-cooked gnocchi can be used. Simply add them to the skillet during the sauce preparation step and adjust cooking time as needed.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
Turkey or shrimp can be excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is properly cooked.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement this dish nicely.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic can add depth to the sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve the desired consistency.
Is it safe to leave the garlic out?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic or omit it entirely.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi, it’s a surefire way to impress family or guests without much effort. Whether you’re customizing it to your preferences or reheating leftovers, this recipe is a keeper!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A one-pan Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet ready in just 30 minutes! This creamy, garlic-infused dish combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich Parmesan flavors—perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Deglaze with chicken broth, add gnocchi, and simmer until tender (3-4 minutes).
- Lower heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer until the sauce thickens (2-3 minutes).
- Return chicken to the skillet, mix in Parmesan, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi for dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
