30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

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
• 1/2 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. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh gnocchi if available for an even softer texture, or try sweet potato gnocchi for a twist.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce, but expect it to be less rich.
• If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for thighs which stay juicier and more flavorful.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and helps save time. Just be sure to cook it until tender but not mushy.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce & Gnocchi

• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
3. Deglaze skillet: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
4. Cook the gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to soften.
5. Add cream: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently to incorporate and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine chicken and cheese: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until cheese melts and chicken is heated through.
7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic in jars as it may alter the taste.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce may be less rich.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Be sure not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain its pillowy texture.
• Fresh basil adds a lovely pop of color and freshness; you can also use parsley if preferred.

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

Keywords: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi, One-Pan Dinner, Creamy Gnocchi Recipe, Quick Italian Skillet, Chicken and Gnocchi