This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect comfort food, blending tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, garlicky sauce. With only 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, it’s a quick and easy dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful, and filling meal. It brings together a wonderful combination of savory garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, all served with gnocchi that soaks up the rich sauce. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add vegetables or switch up the cheese for different flavor profiles.
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
- Add gnocchi to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Try substituting Parmesan with Gorgonzola, Asiago, or another cheese for a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. If you’d like to freeze the dish, do so for up to 1 month, but note the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon reheating.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like unsweetened almond milk. The sauce may not be as creamy, but it will still have great flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a bit of broth if needed to restore the sauce’s richness.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
Absolutely! Many stores now offer gluten-free gnocchi. Just make sure to check the packaging.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to make it heartier.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only 30 seconds, watching closely, as it can burn quickly. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned.
What’s the best type of chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for quick cooking. You can also use thighs for a juicier option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the meal when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Parmesan, try Gorgonzola, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
Conclusion
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delicious and quick one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Plus, with its customizable ingredients, you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (about 2/3 cup per serving)
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food, blending rice, broccoli, cheese, and sour cream into a velvety, satisfying dish. Perfect as a side or a main course, this easy casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ⅔ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Daisy sour cream
- 1 cup Daisy cottage cheese
- 2 cups finely shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
- 16-ounce bag frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¾ cup finely shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté celery, onion, and mushrooms in vegetable oil until softened. Add garlic, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and Mexican cheese blend. Stir in thawed broccoli, sautéed vegetable mixture, and slivered almonds.
- Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Pour the mixture into the dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Add chicken or turkey for protein, or extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. To make it dairy-free, substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives.
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