When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave something that’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Enter the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet—a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce into a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the hassle.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a delightful fusion of American and Italian flavors, featuring hearty ingredients that come together in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic. And let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet dish checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those nights when time is tight.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- Chicken: 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Gnocchi: 1 lb of potato gnocchi, which cooks quickly and adds a soft, chewy texture.
- Garlic: 6 cloves minced—for that irresistible flavor kick.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for the rich, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup to add depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated for a cheesy finish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried, for a touch of aromatic seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional, but perfect for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps for a flawless dish:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic should be aromatic, not bitter!
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These little flavor-packed bits will elevate your sauce to new heights.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture 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 Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and watch your family dig in!
Recipe Notes
Here are some tips to make this dish even better:
- Lighter Option: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk. While it won’t be as rich, it’ll still be delicious!
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Many grocery stores now carry gluten-free gnocchi—just double-check the packaging to ensure it fits your dietary needs.
- Add Veggies: To make this dish more nutritious, toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms during step 4 when you’re cooking the gnocchi.
Why Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is Perfect for Weeknights
Weeknight dinners often feel like a race against time—especially when juggling work, kids, or other commitments. This recipe is here to save the day! With minimal prep time (just 10 minutes) and a quick cooking process (20 minutes), you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, since everything is cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze.
The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft gnocchi makes this dish incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for cozy evenings when you need something warm and hearty.
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Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a comforting meal after a long day, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is sure to hit the spot. With its creamy garlic sauce and tender bites of chicken and gnocchi, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this flavorful dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!
PrintGarlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting meal packed with juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, and loads of garlic flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Add gnocchi and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
5. Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
• Look for gluten-free gnocchi if needed.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
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