Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! is the perfect weeknight dinner. This creamy, garlicky dish combines tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi in a rich sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone craving comfort food. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this skillet meal can be served on special occasions or simply as a delightful treat after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious dinner.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy sauce that enhances every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the chicken for turkey or beef if you prefer.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this amazing recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking everything in one pan, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

A creamy, garlicky, and deliciously comforting dinner made in just 30 minutes! This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a one-pan meal that brings tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich cream sauce together for a dinner you’ll love.

Chicken and Gnocchi

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb potato gnocchi

Sauce Components

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Get ready to whip up this flavorful dish in no time with these easy steps!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
3. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic.
2. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth.
2. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi

1. Add the gnocchi to the skillet.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi starts to become tender.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Pour in the heavy cream.
3. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Cheese

1. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir everything together until cheese melts and chicken heats through.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve immediately with fresh basil leaves on top! Enjoy your delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – it’s truly a wonder!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Serving your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet creatively can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to serve this creamy dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor. It complements the garlic nicely.
• Parmesan Shavings: Top with thin shavings of Parmesan for an elegant touch and extra cheesy goodness.

Accompany with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Soft ciabatta rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of this delicious dish.

Pair with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons makes a refreshing side that balances the richness of the skillet.
• Caprese Salad: A light salad featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provides a vibrant contrast.

How to Perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

To elevate your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet further, here are some helpful tips for perfecting this recipe every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly compared to dried versions.
• Cook Gnocchi Separately: For firmer texture, consider boiling the gnocchi separately and then adding it to sauce at the end.
• Adjust Creaminess: Use less cream if you prefer a lighter dish; you can substitute half-and-half for a lower fat option.
• Control Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference to achieve the perfect balance.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes before serving will help thicken the sauce slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Completing your meal with delicious sides can create a more satisfying dining experience. Here are some excellent options to pair with your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet.

1. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a crisp texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts offer a nice caramelized flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and balances the richness of the main course.
4. Grilled Zucchini: Tender grilled zucchini brings brightness and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach adds color and nutrition, making it an excellent choice to accompany the meal.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs serves as a hearty base that pairs nicely without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy results.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and develop a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then move on to adding the broth.
• Not Scraping the Skillet: Failing to scrape up browned bits can lead to missing flavor. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan after adding broth for a richer sauce.
• Ignoring Sauce Thickness: If the sauce isn’t thickening, you may need to simmer it longer after adding cream. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally for best results.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth can lower the skillet’s temperature. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your dish before serving can result in bland flavors. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer, as mentioned above.

How do I customize my Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap chicken for turkey or beef if desired.

What if I don’t have gnocchi?

If gnocchi is unavailable, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like shells or fusilli that cook quickly.

Is Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to kids’ tastes while being easy for them to eat.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not just a quick dinner solution; it’s also versatile and customizable! You can easily modify ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder is the ultimate weeknight dinner that delivers both comfort and flavor in just half an hour. This one-pan meal features tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that is sure to please the whole family. With its quick preparation and delightful taste, this dish is perfect for busy evenings or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served with fresh basil on top or paired with crusty bread, this creamy delight is bound to become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cook until golden brown (6–8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
4. Add gnocchi; bring to a simmer and cook until tender (3–4 minutes).
5. Stir in heavy cream; simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).
6. Return chicken to skillet along with Parmesan cheese; stir until melted and heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg