Sizzling Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

My recent obsession with quick weeknight garlic chicken gnocchi skillet meals has transformed dinner expectations for our busy household.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan wonder that simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestled among tender chicken pieces create a magical dining experience.

Fragrant herbs and robust garlic mingle effortlessly, promising a restaurant-quality dish you can prepare in minutes.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully selected ingredient, making this recipe feel both familiar and exciting.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction await you in this delightful culinary adventure.

Grab your skillet and prepare to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken: Tender pieces that form the main protein of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth and creamy texture to the skillet.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce base.

• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds Mediterranean-inspired flavor complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish for those who enjoy a hint of heat.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty pasta component.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps create the sauce.

How to Make the Chicken Gnocchi Dish

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop diced chicken into the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, flipping occasionally, until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and stir quickly.

Let the garlic dance around for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic and filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Gently stir the liquids, blending them into a smooth, luxurious sauce that will coat every morsel.

Step 4: Introduce Gnocchi and Herbs

Add soft potato gnocchi and Italian seasoning to the skillet.

Allow everything to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the gnocchi become tender and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Greens

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach

Stir until the cheese melts completely and the spinach wilts into soft, vibrant green ribbons.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

For those who love a kick, dust the top with red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting skillet meal.

Helpful Notes for Gnocchi Perfection

• Use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-chopped for a more vibrant, robust taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Gently stir gnocchi while cooking to ensure even coating and prevent clumping or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
• Swap traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken or plant-based chicken alternative for a quicker preparation or vegetarian version.
• Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired sauce thickness, adding more broth for a lighter consistency or reducing liquid for a richer sauce.

Swaps to Try for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the creamy, garlicky flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese, and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Select gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or alternative flours, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Time to Serve Gnocchi Skillet

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and serve this hearty skillet meal with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Crisp Green Salad Pairing: Toss a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken gnocchi and add freshness to the meal.
• Wine Companion Choice: Pour a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the garlic and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Protein Boost Option: Top the skillet with extra grated parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits for added texture and depth of flavor for protein lovers.

Keeping Gnocchi Skillet Tasty Overnight

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the chicken and gnocchi remain fresh and flavorful.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore the creamy texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original taste and consistency.

FAQs

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for this skillet dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi, which is available in many grocery stores. Check the packaging to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a mild kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

• How can I add more protein to the dish?

Consider adding extra chicken, sprinkling some crispy bacon bits, or topping with grilled shrimp for additional protein boost.

Gnocchi Skillet – Garlic Chicken Magic

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe offers flexible ingredients like optional red pepper flakes and easy protein swaps, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy sauce, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple meal into a crowd-pleasing experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutrient-Rich Delight: Spinach adds a healthy green boost to the dish, providing essential nutrients while blending seamlessly into the rich, comforting flavors of garlic and parmesan.

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Delectable garlic chicken gnocchi skillet delivers comfort with Italian-inspired elegance. Rich flavors blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 lb potato gnocchi

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil at medium heat until exterior turns golden and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing aromatic oils to release and create a rich flavor base for approximately 45-60 seconds.
3. Deglaze the pan by slowly pouring chicken broth and heavy cream, gently scraping browned bits from skillet bottom to enhance overall sauce depth.
4. Carefully fold gnocchi into liquid mixture, sprinkling Italian seasoning across surface, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes until pasta becomes tender and slightly puffy.
5. Incorporate parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture that coats each gnocchi piece uniformly.
6. Add fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt naturally into the sauce while maintaining vibrant green color and nutrients.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
8. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat and visual appeal before serving immediately in warm bowls.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Lighten the dish by using low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat content.
• Toast the garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, which can make the dish taste bitter.
• Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the skillet.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg