Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Gnocchi:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Building the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this adds tons of flavor!
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Bringing it All Together: The Gnocchi Magic:
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi.
- Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through. They will start to float to the surface when they’re ready.
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach during the last minute of cooking until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
Serving and Garnishing:
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Skillet
Choosing the Right Gnocchi:
I prefer using shelf-stable gnocchi for this recipe because it’s convenient and readily available. However, you can definitely use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using frozen gnocchi, you may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth to the skillet as it cooks, as frozen gnocchi can sometimes absorb more liquid.
Preventing Sticky Gnocchi:
Gnocchi can sometimes get a little sticky when cooking. To prevent this, make sure your sauce is simmering gently and stir the gnocchi occasionally to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Adding a little extra olive oil to the skillet can also help.
Adding More Vegetables:
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed so they’re tender-crisp.
Spice it Up!:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic and onion. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Variations to Make it Your Own
Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi:
For a vibrant twist, stir in a couple of tablespoons of pesto to the sauce along with the cream and Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely herby flavor and a beautiful green color. You might also want to try the Boursin Chicken Pasta for another creamy and delicious dish!
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi:
Add about 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the skillet along with the garlic and onion. The sun-dried tomatoes will add a burst of intense flavor and a chewy texture.
Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi:
Omit the chicken and add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic and onion. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and softened, then proceed with the recipe as directed. The spinach adds a great nutritional boost. If you like that idea, you might also enjoy the Ground Beef Gnocchi recipe!
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be a great pairing.
Consider starting with a light appetizer like a Caprese salad or bruschetta to complement the richness of the dish.
Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, you might also enjoy these other easy and flavorful pasta dishes:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta: A vegetarian option with a bright and flavorful sauce.
- Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner: Another variation on the gnocchi theme.
- Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi: This recipe is so good, it might just get you a proposal!
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Cook the chicken as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the sauce and store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken in the skillet, then add the gnocchi and spinach and cook until heated through.
How to store leftovers:
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this?
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If you do freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!
This recipe is all about comfort and convenience, and I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!What type of gnocchi is recommended, and how does that affect cooking time?
The recipe suggests using shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience, but refrigerated or frozen gnocchi can also be used. If using frozen gnocchi, consider adding a splash of extra chicken broth as it cooks since frozen gnocchi may absorb more liquid. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type of gnocchi you use.
How can I prevent the gnocchi from becoming sticky while cooking?
To prevent sticky gnocchi, ensure the sauce is simmering gently and stir the gnocchi occasionally. Adding a little extra olive oil to the skillet can also help.
Can I prepare this dish in advance, and if so, how should I store the components?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the sauce and store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken in the skillet, then add the gnocchi and spinach and cook until heated through.
What are some variations I can try to customize the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi?
You can try Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi by stirring in pesto, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi by adding sun-dried tomatoes, or Mushroom and Spinach Gnocchi by omitting the chicken and adding sliced mushrooms.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – this adds tons of flavor!
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi.
- Simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through. They will start to float to the surface when they’re ready.
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach during the last minute of cooking until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
