A warm, hearty skillet meal is one of the best ways to bring comfort to the dinner table, and this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet does just that. Combining tender bites of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic-infused sauce, this dish is both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
What Makes This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Special?
There are countless chicken and pasta recipes out there, but this dish stands out for a few key reasons:
1. One-Pan Simplicity
Busy weeknights call for quick and easy meals, and this recipe delivers by allowing you to cook everything in a single skillet. From searing the chicken to simmering the gnocchi, there’s no need to juggle multiple pots and pans. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
This dish blends savory garlic, rich cream, and nutty Parmesan to create a sauce that perfectly coats the soft, chewy gnocchi and juicy chicken. The addition of dried Italian herbs provides a light earthy note that enhances the overall taste, while a final garnish of fresh basil adds a bright, fresh contrast.
3. Comfort Food Without the Hassle
Comfort food should feel indulgent, but that doesn’t mean it needs to take hours to prepare. This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those nights when you want something rich and satisfying without spending all evening in the kitchen.
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
- ½ 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
Directions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Infuse with Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze & Cook Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Add gnocchi, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi softens.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine & Finish: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add grated Parmesan, and stir until the cheese melts and everything is well coated.
- Taste & Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: High in protein from chicken and Parmesan
- Carbohydrates: Energy-rich from gnocchi
- Calcium: Good source from Parmesan cheese
This creamy, garlicky gnocchi skillet is a perfect quick dinner option that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Make It Lighter
If you love the creamy texture but want to lighten it up, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative. You can also reduce the Parmesan cheese or replace some of the gnocchi with extra vegetables to cut down on calories while keeping the dish filling.
Boost the Veggies
For an extra nutritional punch, add cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skillet. Vegetables not only enhance the dish’s flavor and texture but also add a burst of color that makes it more visually appealing.
Turn Up the Heat
If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick. The mild creaminess of the dish balances out the heat, creating a perfect combination of spice and richness.
Experiment with Cheese
While Parmesan adds a classic salty bite to the dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gorgonzola for a stronger, tangier flavor or Asiago for a slightly nuttier taste. Cheese lovers can even sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top before serving for added creaminess.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make a simple dish feel extra special, especially when serving guests. Here are a few ways to make your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet look just as good as it tastes:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley – The bright green color contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Serve directly from the skillet – This creates a rustic, restaurant-style presentation while keeping the meal warm at the table.
- Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad – The rich sauce pairs well with a crispy, golden slice of bread or a light, refreshing salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce.
Can I Freeze It?
Technically, yes, but the texture of gnocchi may change slightly upon freezing and reheating. If you do decide to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to one month. When reheating, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it on the stovetop.
What Are the Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Recipe?
While this dish is hearty on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp side salad with balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
- A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy garlic sauce
Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi?
Yes! Most grocery stores carry pre-packaged potato gnocchi, which works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making homemade gnocchi from scratch for an even more authentic experience.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative?
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Conclusion
The Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying gnocchi, this dish offers a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be customized make it a great addition to any home cook’s recipe collection.
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for your family or impressing guests with a beautiful skillet meal, this one-pan dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out tonight and enjoy every rich, garlicky bite!
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Quick & Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi – Perfect Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a rich, creamy, and comforting one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender bites of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a garlic-infused Parmesan sauce make this the perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal or a dish that feels restaurant-worthy, this recipe is sure to impress!
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
- ½ 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
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze & Cook Gnocchi – Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Add the gnocchi, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi softens.
- Make the Creamy Sauce – Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine & Finish – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste & Serve – Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately
Notes
- For a lighter version – Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- For extra flavor – Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan.
- For a spicy kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Vegetable boost – Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free gnocchi available in most stores.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
