Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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If you’re craving a comforting yet effortlessly elegant dinner, the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender bites of seasoned chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a luscious garlic cream sauce all cooked in one glorious skillet. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy without any fuss, blending rich, savory flavors with just the right amount of herbs and cheese to make every bite irresistible. Once you try this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, it’s going to be your go-to dinner for busy evenings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe adds something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that inviting appearance on your plate. The simplicity of these pantry staples is what makes this dish shine, so gather them to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender, juicy results.
• 1 lb potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, they soak up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor, giving the dish its unmistakable aromatic punch.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every ingredient.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps cook the gnocchi perfectly while scraping up all those flavorful bits.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty richness and a hint of nuttiness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the garlic for maximum flavor.
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Brightens up the dish with color and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken until it becomes golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is where that irresistible caramelized flavor develops. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll want to keep a close eye here because garlic burns quickly, but when just fragrant, it releases that mouthwatering aroma that sets the base for your sauce. This tiny step makes a huge difference!

Step 3: Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth directly into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits left from the chicken. These bits contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce, so don’t skip this step! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all those savory notes.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi to your skillet and continue simmering. Stir occasionally, letting them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and soak up the broth’s flavor. Don’t rush here because tender yet slightly bite-ready gnocchi is the perfect texture you want before adding the cream.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, so the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. This step pulls all the flavors together and makes the dish so satisfying.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Add Cheese

Now, add your cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything to melt the cheese and warm the chicken through. The cheese adds a beautiful richness, melding the ingredients into one cohesive, crave-worthy meal.

Step 7: Final Seasoning Check

Give your dish a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This little step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and tailored to your preference.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves make a delightful finishing touch. They add vibrant color and a fresh herbal aroma that lightens up the creamy richness. You can tear a few leaves and sprinkle them generously over the skillet just before serving.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty filling on its own, but if you want to round out the plate, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Simple steamed broccoli or garlic butter green beans also pair beautifully, adding texture and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy touch, serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet family-style right from the pan, letting everyone help themselves. Or, plate individual portions garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and basil. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can kick the presentation and flavor up a notch for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

While freezing gnocchi-based meals is possible, the texture may change slightly. If you want to freeze the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then thaw and finish cooking fresh to maintain the best taste and consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid using high heat or the microwave alone, as this can make gnocchi gummy or cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well and can be added directly to the skillet without thawing. Just allow a minute or two extra cooking time since frozen gnocchi takes a bit longer to soften.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. The flavor will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores or make your own with gluten-free flour. Also, double-check that your chicken broth and seasoning are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions. Add them when cooking the gnocchi so they have time to soften and blend with the sauce.

How do I avoid the gnocchi sticking together?

Stir the gnocchi occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet. Cooking over medium-low heat after adding cream prevents them from sticking and maintains their light texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, flavorful meal that feels truly special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction every time. Don’t wait to add this flavorful, easy skillet dinner to your repertoire—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite!

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