why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pan meal comes together in just half an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Rich in Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce infuses the chicken and gnocchi with a delectable taste that’s sure to please.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your preferences.
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 the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor. Add the gnocchi and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
- Combine Ingredients: 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 until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
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 spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap Parmesan for Gorgonzola or Asiago to introduce different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to add 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 over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk. Note that the sauce may be less creamy and rich.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it to the skillet after preparing the sauce and gnocchi, allowing it to heat through.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure that the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?
Both store-bought and homemade potato gnocchi work well. Ensure they are fresh for the best texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms can enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dish 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.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Gorgonzola or Asiago cheese can be used as alternatives to Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, can enhance the dish’s flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet nicely.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce, all prepared in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for easy customization to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe Schema
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy, one-pan meal features tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich garlic sauce that’s perfect for busy evenings.
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
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until golden and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Add gnocchi, simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until golden and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Add gnocchi, simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
