why make this recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy, and it’s versatile too! You can add vegetables or adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.
how to make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle boil.
-
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
-
If using spinach or kale, add it now and stir until wilted.
-
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the gnocchi. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
-
If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet hot from the pan. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You can also top it with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
how to store Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave it until heated through.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Make sure to season the chicken well for the best flavor.
- If you want to add more veggies, mushrooms or bell peppers work great!
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and cheese based on your preference.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or when it is no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine everything with gnocchi when you are ready to serve for the best texture.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until tender. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.