30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and comforting meal that’s bursting with rich garlic flavor and creamy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce all in one pan.

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
• 1/2 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These add extra flavor to the sauce.
4. Step 4: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Use store-bought gnocchi to save time, or try homemade for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also work well as garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works fine. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time until they are tender.

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of butter as a substitute, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 104 reviews

This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich garlic-infused sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with robust Italian herbs and fresh basil garnish, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb potato gnocchi

For the Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs

For Cooking and Garnish

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Add to skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet using a wooden spoon to incorporate flavor into the sauce.
4. Cook the gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is tender.
5. Add cream and thicken sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine and melt cheese: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until cheese melts and chicken is heated through.
7. Season and garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for more potent taste.
• Prepare gnocchi according to package if it requires pre-cooking, but many fresh gnocchi varieties cook quickly in the sauce as in this recipe.
• Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream as preferred.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but sauce will be less rich.
• Fresh basil should be added just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and color.

Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, creamy chicken gnocchi, one-pan chicken dinner, Italian gnocchi recipe, quick chicken skillet