Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, a Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect choice. This comforting meal brings together tender, pan-seared chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce that ties everything together. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly in the skillet.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with regular paprika or chili powder for a different twist.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
4. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on the outside.
5. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized cubes. Set aside for later.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the gnocchi floats to the surface of the water.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi to a colander to drain. Reserve a small amount of pasta water (about ½ cup), in case you want to thin out the sauce later. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or white wine). Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. If you want a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt, pepper, or more garlic powder if desired.
5. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding some of the reserved pasta water, a little bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce

1. Add the cooked gnocchi and sliced chicken into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
2. If you want to add some greens, now is the time to stir in some spinach or arugula for a burst of color and freshness. It’ll wilt down into the sauce nicely.
3. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. The gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce, making each bite flavorful and indulgent.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once everything is combined and heated through, garnish with fresh parsley and basil, if desired. A little lemon zest can also brighten up the dish, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.
2. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and creamy. You can serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce or a light salad to balance the richness of the meal.

Pro Tips and Variations:

1. Homemade Gnocchi: While store-bought gnocchi is convenient, homemade gnocchi can take this dish to the next level. If you’re up for it, try making your own gnocchi with potatoes, flour, and eggs. It only requires a little extra time, but the texture is so much more tender than the packaged variety.

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2. Chicken Variations: For a twist on the chicken, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier cut of meat. Bone-in or skin-on chicken can also work, but you will need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

3. Herb Variations: Feel free to play around with the herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano would also complement the garlic cream sauce wonderfully.

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4. Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in more vegetables, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet when cooking the garlic. These ingredients will soak up the flavors of the sauce and add texture to the dish.

5. Make It Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also use a lighter chicken broth (low-sodium or homemade) for the sauce.

6. Gnocchi Storage: If you have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the skillet with a little extra cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different kind of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use any other type of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and gnocchi ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken separately and reheat it before combining with the gnocchi and sauce. You may need to add a bit more cream or broth when reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Can I freeze Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

It’s not ideal to freeze gnocchi as the texture can change, and the cream sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and assemble it fresh with newly cooked gnocchi when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the kind of dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a casual dinner party, or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is perfect for any occasion. By following the simple steps outlined here, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner in the comfort of your own home.

Yield: 4

Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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If you’re looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, a Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect choice. This comforting meal brings together tender, pan-seared chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce that ties everything together. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken:
   Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
2. Cook the gnocchi:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until slightly crispy and golden brown. (If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, you can follow the package instructions to boil them first, but sautéing gives a nice texture to the dish.)
   Remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.
   
3. Prepare the garlic butter sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
   
4. Combine everything:
   Add the chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, so everything is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
   
5. Finish and serve:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch to create a lighter sauce.

Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to elevate the dish.

Gnocchi tip: If you’re using frozen gnocchi, no need to thaw them first—just sauté them directly from frozen.

Chicken alternative: You can also use boneless thighs for a juicier option, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.