EASY GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SKILLET

Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi, tender bites of chicken, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce all coming together in one pan – a symphony of flavors that will have you craving seconds (and maybe thirds!). This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, promising a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gnocchi Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat

The Magic of Gnocchi Dishes

Let’s talk gnocchi! These little potato dumplings are seriously the best. They’re soft, chewy, and soak up sauces like nobody’s business. When you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal, gnocchi should definitely be on your radar. They are the perfect base for so many delicious recipes! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is proof of that, but don’t stop there! Explore other Gnocchi Recipes to expand your culinary horizons.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking it completely at this stage – it will finish cooking in the sauce!

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a ton of flavor!
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through. If you are using the refrigerated version, then cook until the gnocchi has risen to the surface. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. If you like a little kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, which will result in less flavor and a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor. Avoid using jarred minced garlic if possible, as it often lacks the punch of fresh garlic.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the gnocchi.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Gnocchi Type: Shelf-stable gnocchi is a great pantry staple that will make this dish a quick and easy one for you. However, you can also use the refrigerated kind for a slightly different flavor.
• Custom Menu potential: This recipe can be customized to fit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. You can use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free option, or substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce is also a must! To complement the rich flavors, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Variations to Explore for this Chicken Gnocchi

• Creamy Garlic Chicken & Linguine Inspiration: If you love pasta, why not try a variation with linguine noodles? Check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine for inspiration! It offers a similar flavor profile with a different texture.
• Spinach and Artichoke: Add a cup of chopped spinach and a can of drained artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the gnocchi. This will add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the skillet along with the gnocchi. This will add a Mediterranean twist.
• Mushroom and Parmesan: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic. This will add an earthy flavor to the dish. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese for an even richer flavor.
• Crack Chicken Gnocchi Remix: For a bolder flavor profile, consider adding bacon and ranch dressing. Explore Crack Chicken Gnocchi for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet: Lean into the garlic parmesan flavor profile, and create a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Gnocchi recipe by using parmesan cheese and garlic. Check out these Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipes for inspiration: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection 2025, or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Heaven.

Why This Chicken Dinner Recipes is a Winner

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal for so many reasons! It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s incredibly delicious and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. And the best part? It’s so versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and cheeses to create a dish that’s truly your own. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your Chicken Dinner Recipes rotation!

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Allow the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the gnocchi skillet in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the gnocchi.

The Creamy Garlic Chicken Dream

This recipe is all about that Creamy Garlic Chicken goodness. The garlic-infused cream sauce is what truly elevates this dish, coating every piece of chicken and gnocchi in its rich and flavorful embrace. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show. The parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note that perfectly complements the garlic. And the heavy cream creates a luxurious texture that will have you swooning. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is a guaranteed winner! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get cooking! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is calling your name. It’s the perfect way to end a long day and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy!