If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a dish, then this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. Imagine tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, combined with pillowy gnocchi and enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite is a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds—it’s comfort food elevated to a quick and easy weeknight winner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to whip up when you want something hearty yet effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe couldn’t be simpler. Each ingredient plays a critical role, whether it’s the rich cream for silky sauce, the vibrant parsley for a fresh pop of color, or the perfectly tender gnocchi that soak up all those incredible flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, savory bites throughout the skillet.
- Olive oil: Used for searing chicken and sautéing garlic, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Giving the dish its unmistakable garlicky aroma and depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates that smooth, rich sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory notes and helps build the sauce’s flavor base.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami richness and a slight cheesy tang.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every component to perfection.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Gnocchi (16 ounces): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the luscious sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to give them bold flavor. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust on the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked through and juicy. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest—this is crucial for locking in those delicious juices.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet (this is where all the magic happens), add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—they are pure flavor gold! Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly, turning into a velvety base.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Season
Now, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring continuously to melt it smoothly into the cream. Taste your sauce and season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to balance the flavors. This stage transforms the sauce into a creamy, cheesy dream that coats every bite of gnocchi and chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While your sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi separately in salted boiling water according to package instructions. They’ll be done when they float to the surface—quick and easy! Drain them well, then transfer them directly into your creamy skillet sauce. Stir gently to ensure each gnocchi is luxuriously covered in that incredible sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the skillet. Fold everything together gently so the chicken and gnocchi mingle with the sauce. Let the skillet simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm all the flavors together perfectly. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a lovely burst of green freshness before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also brightens the creamy richness of the dish. For an extra cheesy touch, grating a little more Parmesan on top right before serving brings it to the next level of deliciousness. If you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes makes a great finishing flourish.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe stands out on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach are perfect companions that complement the creamy texture without overwhelming the palate. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the gnocchi and chicken right in the skillet for a rustic, cozy presentation that keeps it warm longer at the table. Alternatively, plating individual portions with a delicate parsley sprig and a drizzle of good olive oil feels extra-special. For a family-style feast, arrange the sliced chicken over the gnocchi, then scatter parsley and Parmesan generously for an inviting centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
While gnocchi can sometimes lose its texture after freezing, this dish still freezes fine if placed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze portions individually for best results, and consume within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture on the chicken and gnocchi. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly—just cook it according to package directions until it floats, then add it right to your skillet sauce. It’s a convenient way to save time without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a little flour can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and velvety. Coconut cream is a tasty dairy-free alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy element. The dish will still be delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can cook and slice the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. The sauce and gnocchi are best made fresh, but if you’re short on time, reheating them gently together works well too.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild kick that balances the creamy sauce. If you prefer it more or less spicy, feel free to adjust the quantity or omit them entirely to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe is a joyous celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that will make your kitchen smell amazing and your family or friends smile with every bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it’s the perfect comfort meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, combined with pillowy gnocchi tossed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Quick to prepare within 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breasts
Produce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest, allowing juices to redistribute.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom to add flavor to the sauce.
- Add cream and simmer: Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Let simmer 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate cheese: Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season the sauce with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
- Cook gnocchi: Meanwhile, boil gnocchi in salted water per package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain.
- Add gnocchi to sauce: Transfer drained gnocchi into the skillet, gently stirring to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Slice chicken: Thinly slice the rested chicken breasts to prepare for mixing with the gnocchi.
- Combine chicken and gnocchi: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Heat evenly: Let the skillet simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Plate the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet hot, optionally topping with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Resting the chicken after cooking ensures it remains juicy when sliced.
- To speed up meal prep, use pre-minced garlic if desired.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Gnocchi can be cooked ahead and briefly reheated in the sauce to save time.
