AMAZING CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SKILLET

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant price tag or effort? Imagine tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, promising a comforting and flavorful experience you won’t soon forget!

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
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (17.6 oz) package gnocchi
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a 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 with the spices.

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 (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about getting a deep sear; we’re going for cooked, not charred!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is a big flavor killer.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor!
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
3. Stir everything together gently to coat the gnocchi and chicken in the sauce.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and heated through. Give it a stir halfway through to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!

Tips and Tricks for Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Perfection

Choosing the Right Gnocchi:

You can use shelf-stable gnocchi (the kind found in the pasta aisle) or refrigerated gnocchi for this recipe. I personally prefer the texture of refrigerated gnocchi, but both work great! Just be sure to follow the cooking time instructions carefully, as they can vary slightly depending on the type you use.

Preventing Sticky Gnocchi:

Gnocchi can sometimes stick together when cooking. To minimize this, make sure the sauce is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously. Stir the gnocchi occasionally during cooking to prevent it from clumping. If you’re worried about sticking, you can also lightly coat the gnocchi with olive oil before adding it to the skillet.

Adjusting the Sauce Thickness:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a longer period of time, allowing it to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream.

Adding Vegetables:

Feel free to add vegetables to this recipe to boost its nutritional value and flavor! Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the gnocchi and chicken, or sauté them separately and stir them in at the end.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Spicy Kick:

If you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could even use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for an extra fiery dish.

Cheesy Goodness:

Add more cheese! Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese over the top of the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and broil until bubbly and golden brown.

Lemon Zest:

Add a bright, citrusy note by grating the zest of one lemon into the sauce just before serving. It adds a lovely freshness that complements the creamy garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the dish. For a more substantial side, try roasted asparagus or garlic bread.

Other Delicious Gnocchi Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of gnocchi, you’ll love these other recipes! For a hearty and comforting meal, try Ground Beef Gnocchi. Or, if you’re looking for a pasta dish with a similar creamy texture, check out Boursin Chicken Pasta. Craving more garlic? Then the Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is the answer! If you’re looking for a tomato based pasta, check out Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta! Or if you want a similar skillet, then Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner is another great option! And finally, for a romantic meal, try Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!