Description
A creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add uncooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss 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 chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked chicken back to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Stir until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- 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 texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken gnocchi, one-pan gnocchi recipe, garlic chicken skillet, easy weeknight dinner, comforting pasta dish