Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and aromatic garlic in a creamy sauce. This recipe is not just easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply cooking for family, this dish will surely impress.

Why Make This Recipe

You might wonder why you should try this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. First off, it is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfect for a busy evening after work or school. Secondly, it is a complete meal in one skillet, meaning less mess and easier cleanup. The combination of chicken and gnocchi provides a heartiness that satisfies your hunger, while the creamy sauce and garlic elevate the dish, adding layers of flavor that everyone will enjoy. Plus, with the option to include spinach, you can sneak in some greens for added nutrition.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Making Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is straightforward. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can prepare a dish that looks and tastes amazing.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
• 1 package gnocchi (approximately 16 ounces)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and will give it a nice sear.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth will help deglaze the skillet, lifting any delicious bits stuck on the bottom.
5. Stir in the gnocchi, cooking according to the package instructions. Typically, gnocchi takes only about 2-3 minutes to become tender. They will float to the top when they are ready.
6. Once the gnocchi is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture so that everything is well combined. If you choose to add spinach, toss it in at this point and cook until it wilts, which should take just a minute.
7. Serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Serving Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is easy and fun. You can place the skillet directly on the table for a rustic, casual presentation, or serve individual portions in bowls. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance your dish’s appearance and flavor.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

If you have leftovers, you can store your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet easily. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.

Tips to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

1. Choosing Chicken: Use chicken breasts for a lean option, or chicken thighs for more flavor. Both work great in this dish.
2. Homemade Gnocchi: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own gnocchi from scratch! It’s a fun process that can add a personal touch to your meal.
3. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth to reduce the richness.
4. Extra Flavor: Adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic can add another layer of flavor. Just let it simmer for a minute before adding the chicken broth.
5. Herbs & Spices: Experiment with herbs such as thyme or Italian seasoning to give your dish an additional aromatic quality.

Variation

This recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or make it completely vegetarian without chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them when you add the garlic so they have time to cook through.
• Different Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try substituting with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi! Just add it directly to the skillet while following the rest of the recipe. It will take a few extra minutes to cook, so ensure it’s tender before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, Italian sausage, or even turkey. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you choose.

Is Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet gluten-free?

Gnocchi is typically made with wheat flour, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet. However, you can find gluten-free gnocchi options made from alternatives like potato or rice flour, which can be substituted in this recipe.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet that will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Print Recipe

A comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and aromatic garlic in a creamy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
• 1 package gnocchi (approximately 16 ounces)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the gnocchi, cooking according to package instructions for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Once the gnocchi is cooked, reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
7. If using spinach, add it now and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
8. Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For variations, consider using veggies or different cheeses. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: garlic chicken, gnocchi, skillet recipes, quick dinner, Italian food