Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe: Cozy Comfort Magic

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken gnocchi skillet promises an irresistible culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Comfort meets elegance in this one-pan marvel packed with rich, velvety flavors.

Soft potato pillows nestled alongside tender chicken create a symphony of textures that sing with each bite.

garlic aromatic charm weaves through the dish, infusing every morsel with warmth and depth.

Minimal kitchen effort translates into maximum satisfaction, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.

Crispy edges, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked proteins come together in a harmonious blend that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-warming masterpiece.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not spicy. It’s a mild, flavorful dish with garlic and Italian seasoning that provides warmth without heat.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube. The key is to maintain the liquid base for creating the sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. While gnocchi can be made gluten-free, traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour. Check your gnocchi package or use a gluten-free version to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Overview

• The rich, velvety sauce with Parmesan and heavy cream creates an indulgent, satisfying dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Flexible ingredients like optional spinach and adaptable seasonings let you personalize the chicken gnocchi to match your family's taste preferences.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the creamy skillet dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that create a comforting base for the chicken and sauce.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that adds depth to the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce with a luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and extra nutrition to the skillet.

• Fresh Herbs, Additional Parmesan Cheese: Provides a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Preparing Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken, flipping once, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, add more olive oil and gnocchi.

Cook the gnocchi, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown exterior.

Remove the gnocchi and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet.

Gently toss everything to ensure each piece is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce.

If desired, add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts and becomes tender.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Do a quick taste test and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve the skillet hot, straight from the pan.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Helpful Tips for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Choose tender, plump chicken breasts and soft, pillowy gnocchi for the best texture and flavor in your skillet meal.
• Ensure gnocchi doesn't clump by stirring occasionally and using enough oil in the skillet during cooking.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker result or adding more broth if it becomes too dense.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to cut through the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating Guide for Chicken Gnocchi

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if spinach is wilted, as it may become mushy.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

Suggested Pairings for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the garlic's richness.
• Elevate with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or Italian ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add a nutritious and flavorful side that enhances the chicken gnocchi's profile.

Variations to Explore with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth and maintaining the same cooking technique for a protein-packed meat-free meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, garlicky sauce intact.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Ensure using gluten-free gnocchi and verify that all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings Italian comfort right to your dinner table with rich, velvety sauce coating tender potato pillows and juicy chicken. Delightful weeknight meal promises comfort and satisfaction in one delicious pan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and warm olive oil. Season chicken with aromatic herbs and spices, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sear chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil and gnocchi. Toast gnocchi for 3-4 minutes, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender core.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its fragrance to permeate the cooking surface for 1-2 minutes.
5. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency within 2-3 minutes.
7. Reintroduce chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, gently coating each element with the creamy sauce.
8. Add fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate into the dish for 1-2 minutes.
9. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
10. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh herb sprinkles for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Swap gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
• Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor, preventing dry meat during cooking.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crust and better herb adherence.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat if you enjoy a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg