Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

A Creamy, Comforting One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a must-try. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The best part? It comes together quickly with minimal cleanup!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy: The garlic-infused sauce coats every bite beautifully.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting meal that both kids and adults will love.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly crisp on the outside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Stir until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this meal gluten-friendly.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the sauce may separate and gnocchi can become mushy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting soggy?

Sautéing the gnocchi in butter before adding liquid helps them stay firm and adds a delicious crisp texture.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes! Pre-packaged potato gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of cornstarch, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and garlic in advance to save time.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple side salad or roasted vegetables complement this creamy skillet meal well.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Absolutely! Try mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different twist.

Will fresh gnocchi work in this recipe?

Yes, but fresh gnocchi cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this with a different type of pasta?

Yes, but gnocchi gives the best texture. If using pasta, cook it separately before adding it to the skillet.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let the sauce simmer longer, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken it.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this one-pan meal is quick to make and easy to clean up. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home!

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