Sizzling Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering garlic chicken gnocchi skillet brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Aromas of sizzling herbs and tender chicken will instantly captivate your senses.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi mingles perfectly with golden-brown meat and fragrant seasonings.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and rich flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks can easily master this one-pan wonder with minimal kitchen effort.

Jump into this culinary adventure and create a meal that sparks joy and conversation.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Flavor Overview

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Create a show-stopping treat that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy cherry ice cream, perfect for impressing guests at special celebrations.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Layer the ingredients with minimal prep work, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want a gourmet-looking dessert.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different ice cream flavors or toppings to personalize the cake, allowing you to make it unique every time you prepare it.
• Advance Preparation Friendly: Prepare this cake ahead of time and store in the freezer, making it an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining and make-ahead meal planning.

Ingredients For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken: Tender, boneless meat that provides the main protein source for this skillet dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian potato dumplings that create a hearty base for the recipe.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic and savory seasonings that add depth and complexity to the chicken and gnocchi.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Rich, creamy liquids that create a smooth and velvety sauce for the skillet.

• Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Salty, rich ingredients that add a luxurious texture and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Spinach: Fresh, leafy green that provides a nutritious and colorful element to the skillet.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.

Preparation Guide For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken pieces and generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and is cooked through.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and let it dance around for about 30 seconds.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aromatic fragrance that makes mouths water.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Liquid Base

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious sauce that will coat every morsel.

Step 4: Introduce Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the skillet and let them swim in the creamy sauce.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Melt in the Richness

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and add butter.

Stir until both ingredients melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that clings to the gnocchi and chicken.

Step 6: Optional Green Boost

If desired, toss in fresh spinach leaves.

Cook until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, adding a pop of color and extra nutrition to the dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the garlic chicken gnocchi immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if you like.

Expert Tips For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick, even cooking and less fat.
• Opt for store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time and preference.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and better flavor absorption.
• Use fresh garlic for more intense, robust taste compared to pre-minced varieties.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce butter quantity.

Flavor Variants For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Spicy Southwestern Gnocchi: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Add diced bell peppers and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Gnocchi: Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan and add kalamata olives for a Greek-style flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken. Use mushroom broth instead of chicken broth and add thyme for an earthy, rich version of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Cozy Date Night Dinner: Serve this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet with a crisp white wine and soft candlelight, creating a romantic atmosphere that transforms a simple meal into an intimate experience.
• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Pair the dish with a fresh arugula salad and crusty bread, allowing everyone to soak up the creamy sauce and enjoy a hearty, communal meal together.
• Weekend Comfort Meal Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan shavings, and red pepper flakes, adding color and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish feel special and elevated.
• Quick Lunch Twist: Pack leftovers in a portable container for a delicious work lunch, enjoying the rich flavors and creamy texture that taste just as good the next day.

Storage Recommendations For Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Store leftover garlic chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently to maintain creamy texture and prevent sticking.
• Divide into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight meals. Use within the recommended storage timeframe for best quality and taste.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dish flavorful?

The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth creates a rich, savory taste profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this skillet recipe is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills, with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients that anyone can prepare quickly.

• Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly and can be added directly to the skillet without thawing, making preparation even more convenient.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

You can increase the chicken quantity or add additional protein sources like cooked bacon bits or grilled shrimp to enhance the protein content of the dish.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic chicken gnocchi skillet blends Italian comfort with easy weeknight cooking. Simple ingredients create a creamy, savory meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 lb potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, creating a sizzling surface for searing chicken pieces seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.
2. Sauté chicken until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor development.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its pungent essence to bloom and infuse the protein with intense aromatics for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Gradually stream chicken broth and cream into the pan, generating a luxurious sauce that will gently simmer and coat the ingredients.
5. Carefully fold pillowy gnocchi into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to absorb the savory sauce while cooking for 4-6 minutes and stirring intermittently.
6. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cold butter, creating a silky emulsion that enhances the sauce’s richness and depth of flavor.
7. If desired, delicately layer tender spinach leaves into the skillet, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
8. Remove skillet from heat immediately, letting residual warmth complete the final moments of cooking and allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
9. Transfer the aromatic gnocchi mixture to serving plates, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of chicken, sauce, and optional greens.

Notes

• Adjust cooking temperature to prevent burning garlic, which turns bitter quickly when overheated.
• Choose shelf-stable or fresh gnocchi based on texture preference and availability.
• For gluten-free version, select potato gnocchi made without wheat flour and verify all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk without compromising overall richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg