Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken and pillowy gnocchi are coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce made with simple pantry ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s ideal for beginner cooks looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it turns bitter quickly.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon. These bits add extra flavor to the sauce.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to soften and absorb the liquid.
- Add the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to begin thickening.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can lighten the dish by using half-and-half instead of cream. For extra vegetables, add baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the simmering stage. Want more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 145mg