Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative); ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (divided); Red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces, golden gnocchi, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce come together effortlessly for a dish everyone will love.

This dish shows a black pan filled with three main layers: golden yellow gnocchi pieces with a smooth texture evenly spread throughout the pan; bright red, slightly wrinkled cherry tomatoes scattered on top and between the gnocchi; and grilled chicken slices with a light brown, charred surface placed over and under the other ingredients. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled all over the dish, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (divided)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden crust on the outside. Remove the gnocchi from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If using, stir in the spinach or kale, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
Step 5: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve the skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if preferred.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with mushrooms or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle on top before serving.
Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows a dark pan filled with several pieces of grilled chicken, each sliced into thick strips with golden brown char marks on top. Around the chicken, there are many small, yellow gnocchi that look soft and slightly seasoned, with a few bright red roasted cherry tomatoes scattered throughout. Fresh green herb leaves are sprinkled on the whole dish, adding a touch of color and freshness. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just keep in mind it may take a bit longer to develop a golden crust, so cook it a little longer and watch closely to prevent sticking or burning.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor while avoiding dairy.