This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, creamy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights. The tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and soft gnocchi come together in a savory dish that’s comforting and satisfying. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a complete meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce, and pillowy gnocchi creates a rich and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum taste!
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 lb gnocchi, cooked
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the diced chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Gnocchi:
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked gnocchi and stir everything together.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi is heated through and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and substitute with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
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Greens: Add some spinach or kale to the skillet for extra veggies and a boost of nutrition.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, as it may separate upon thawing.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the skillet.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the gnocchi and combine everything in the skillet.
3. Can I use a different cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or another hard, aged cheese.
4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas to the skillet to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll add a bit more flavor and tenderness.
7. Is this dish low-carb?
The gnocchi itself is not low-carb, but you can use a cauliflower-based gnocchi for a lower-carb version.
8. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
9. Can I make this with pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes! If you prefer pasta, you can substitute it for the gnocchi. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions.
10. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Be sure to cook the sauce over medium heat and avoid boiling it. Stir frequently, and gradually add the cheese to prevent curdling.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is an easy, one-pan meal that’s full of creamy, garlicky goodness. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich Parmesan sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Plus, with minimal cleanup, it’s a win-win! Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish with your loved ones tonight.
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a rich, creamy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan sauce with soft, pillowy gnocchi. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and requires only 30 minutes to prepare. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 lb gnocchi, cooked
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine the Chicken and Gnocchi: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked gnocchi and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi is heated through and well coated in the creamy sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
-
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and substitute with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
-
Greens: Add spinach, kale, or other veggies to the skillet for extra nutrition.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
