Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

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This creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a rich and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and is simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a favorite. The garlic flavor, combined with the creaminess of the sauce, adds an indulgent touch to the gnocchi and chicken, creating a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.

The dish is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup easy and efficient. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that works well for a family dinner, a romantic evening, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. Read on to learn how to make this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, and be sure to check out our tips for perfecting the dish!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 package of gnocchi (about 500g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the gnocchi. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi is heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
  6. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. If you’d like a thicker sauce, continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Mistakes to Avoid

When making this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure the dish turns out perfectly.

  1. Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if it’s cooked for too long. Make sure to cook it until fragrant, about 1 minute, and avoid letting it brown.
  2. Overcooking the chicken: It’s important not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender. Remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s no longer pink in the center.
  3. Not allowing the sauce to thicken: The cream and chicken broth need a few minutes to reduce and thicken into a creamy sauce. Don’t rush this step, as the sauce is key to the dish’s flavor.
  4. Skipping the seasoning: Make sure to season each layer of the dish—chicken, sauce, and gnocchi—with salt and pepper. This ensures the flavors are balanced throughout.

Ingredient Alternatives

While the ingredients listed in the recipe are perfect for a creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, you can easily swap some items based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few alternatives you can try:

  1. Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with other proteins such as shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If using shrimp, just sauté them briefly in the pan until pink and then set aside, similar to the chicken.
  2. Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free cream like coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan-friendly twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and richness may vary.
  3. Parmesan Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can try nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, regular cheddar or mozzarella can also work, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
  4. Gnocchi: If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free gnocchi, which are now available in most supermarkets. You could also substitute the gnocchi with other types of pasta like fettuccine or penne.
  5. Butter: If you prefer to avoid dairy, you can substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. It will still create a flavorful base for the sauce without compromising on taste.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure your creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips and tricks:

  1. Use a large skillet: To accommodate both the chicken and gnocchi, use a large skillet with enough space for everything to cook evenly. A wide pan will give you more room for stirring and prevent the ingredients from crowding.
  2. Cook gnocchi properly: When cooking store-bought gnocchi, follow the package instructions for the best texture. Usually, they are done when they float to the surface of boiling water. If you’re using homemade gnocchi, be sure to cook them gently so they don’t break apart.
  3. Don’t skip the scraping: When adding the chicken broth to the pan, make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These caramelized bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
  4. Adjust the consistency: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
  5. Add a squeeze of lemon: For a burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dish right before serving. The acidity helps balance the richness of the sauce.

Suggestions

Here are a few suggestions for customizing and serving this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet to make it even more delightful:

  1. Add veggies: For a healthier option, consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. They will add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
  2. Top with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add an aromatic touch. Sprinkle them over the top before serving for added flavor and a pop of color.
  3. Serve with a side salad: To complement the richness of the gnocchi skillet, serve it alongside a light side salad. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would pair perfectly.
  4. Add extra protein: If you’re craving more protein, you can easily add extra chicken or even some crispy bacon crumbles. Both would add a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
  5. Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. The spice will add a new layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish

FAQ

  1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi? Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. You can find gnocchi in the pasta section of most grocery stores. Just follow the package instructions to cook it before adding it to the skillet.
  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce, add the cooked chicken, and stir in the gnocchi to finish the dish.
  3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? To prevent curdling, make sure to cook the cream over low to medium heat and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir frequently and use heavy cream, which has a higher fat content and is less likely to curdle compared to lighter dairy products.
  4. Can I freeze this dish? While freezing the entire dish isn’t recommended due to the texture changes in the cream and gnocchi, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat and cook fresh gnocchi to add in.
  5. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère. Keep in mind that each cheese will change the flavor profile of the dish. Parmesan is recommended for its sharp, savory taste, but feel free to explore

Conclusion

The creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a simple yet indulgent meal that combines comfort food with rich flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this dish is sure to impress. The garlic sauce, combined with the tender chicken and soft gnocchi, creates a meal that’s both filling and satisfying. By following the tips and using the ingredient alternatives, you can customize the recipe to your liking, ensuring that every bite is perfect.

If you haven’t tried this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet yet, give it a go tonight! Your taste buds will thank you. And don’t forget to share your version with friends and family—it’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to bring people together.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

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  • Author: Emilline Labrita
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 package of gnocchi (about 500g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically until they float to the top (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  • Combine the ingredients: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Add the gnocchi and chicken: Stir in the cooked gnocchi and chicken, making sure everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the sauce.
  • Serve: Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet!

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