The garlic in this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet adds a rich, savory depth that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. As it sizzles in the pan, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it impossible not to feel hungry. The chicken, tender and juicy, takes on all that garlicky goodness, while the gnocchi absorbs the sauce, becoming soft and pillowy with each bite. There’s something about gnocchi that just *melts* in your mouth, and when it’s coated in this velvety sauce, it’s a bite of comfort that wraps you up like a cozy blanket. This dish has a way of making even the busiest nights feel special—it’s simple, but so full of flavor that every spoonful feels like a little celebration. When I make this, I love to top it with a handful of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance out the richness. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the soul, and you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds!) every time.
Key Ingredients in Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Each ingredient in this dish brings something unique to the table, working together to create a rich, flavorful experience. Let’s break down what each one contributes to the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:
* Chicken breasts
The star of the dish! Tender and juicy, chicken breasts provide the protein base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. As they cook, they absorb all the savory flavors, becoming even more delicious.
* Olive oil
Used to sauté the chicken and garlic, olive oil adds a subtle richness and depth to the dish. It helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken while infusing everything with its smooth flavor.
* Garlic, minced
The garlic is the aromatic foundation of this recipe. When minced and sautéed, it releases a savory, fragrant essence that fills the entire kitchen and enhances the flavor of the chicken and sauce.
* Heavy cream
The creamy base for the sauce, heavy cream is what makes everything come together in a velvety, luscious way. It adds richness and a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements.
* Chicken broth
Chicken broth adds depth and a savory undertone to the sauce, giving it a slight umami flavor. It helps to thin out the cream just enough to create the perfect sauce consistency.
* Grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings a touch of salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. As it melts into the cream, it thickens and adds richness, enhancing the overall creaminess of the dish.
* Salt
A pinch of salt helps to bring out all the other flavors and ensures that the dish is seasoned just right. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.
* Black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the cream and cheese.
* Red pepper flakes
For a little kick, red pepper flakes are the perfect touch. They add just enough heat to give the dish some warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
* Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy gnocchi is the perfect vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce. Each bite is a little bite of comfort, with the gnocchi’s tender texture melting in your mouth as it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
* Fresh parsley, chopped
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that lightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
These ingredients are the building blocks of the dish, each one playing a vital role in creating the irresistible flavors that make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet so comforting and satisfying.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up, ensuring the pan is hot enough to sear the chicken and create a beautiful golden crust.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The seasoning helps build flavor right from the start and gives the chicken a nice kick.
3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want that crispy exterior with a juicy interior.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir the garlic around to avoid burning it—this step infuses the oil with that irresistible garlic aroma.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits left from the chicken. These flavorful bits are packed with savory goodness that will elevate the sauce.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens—the cream turns the sauce into something velvety and rich.
8. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly. You’ll notice the sauce becoming smoother and more luscious.
9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. The cheese adds that signature creamy, nutty flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
10. Season the sauce with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking, so don’t hesitate to taste and tweak!
11. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. The gnocchi should float to the top once it’s done—this is when you know it’s ready.
12. Once the gnocchi rises to the top of the water, drain it and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. This ensures the gnocchi absorbs all the delicious sauce as it finishes cooking.
13. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Be careful not to break the gnocchi apart—they’re delicate and should stay intact.
14. Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the skillet with the gnocchi. This step ensures the chicken gets evenly mixed into the dish, with each bite having a bit of tender chicken.
15. Stir everything together until the chicken and gnocchi are well mixed with the sauce. You want the sauce to coat every piece of gnocchi and chicken.
16. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. This step ensures the chicken is warm and the flavors are fully married together.
17. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish. The vibrant green parsley not only adds color but also brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
18. Serve the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Each bite is a comforting, creamy delight that will leave you craving more!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
– *Pair with a light salad* – The richness of the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet can be perfectly balanced with a simple, crisp salad. Try something with arugula or spinach, tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish. A few slices of fresh avocado wouldn’t hurt either!
– *Serve with a crusty bread* – There’s nothing quite like having a warm, crispy bread on the side to dip into that luscious sauce. Whether it’s a baguette, ciabatta, or a homemade loaf, you’ll want to soak up every last bit of that creamy goodness.
– *Add a splash of white wine* – If you’re feeling a little extra, a chilled glass of crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the dish. Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonders, adding a slight acidity to cut through the creaminess. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a little touch of elegance.
How to Store Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
If you find yourself with leftovers (or just want to meal prep for later), storing this dish properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious!
– In the fridge: Allow the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it up slowly on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, as it may thicken while chilling.
– In the freezer: If you want to store it for longer, the dish can be frozen. Place the cooled skillet contents into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
– Separating components: For best results, store the gnocchi and chicken separately from the sauce. This way, the gnocchi won’t get overly soggy, and you can reheat them individually to keep their textures intact. Reheat the chicken and sauce together, then toss in the gnocchi when everything’s hot.
Storing the dish this way helps maintain the flavors and textures, so you can enjoy that comforting garlic-infused goodness all over again!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my friends—*Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet*, a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish that will have you coming back for seconds, no doubt! From the savory chicken and garlicky goodness to the pillowy gnocchi soaking up all that velvety sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy dinner or prepping leftovers for later, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
I hope you enjoyed reading through the recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop me a comment, or let me know if you have any questions or tweaks you’d like to try. I’m always here to chat about cooking and share more tips, tricks, and stories from the kitchen.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this flavorful creation!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Description
Tender, juicy chicken meets pillowy gnocchi in a sizzling skillet, all drenched in a rich, garlicky sauce. The savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, crave-worthy dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
-
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
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Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions in a separate pot of salted boiling water.
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Once the gnocchi rises to the top of the water, drain it and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce.
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Stir gently to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce.
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Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the skillet with the gnocchi.
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Stir everything together until the chicken and gnocchi are well mixed with the sauce.
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Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
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Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish.
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Serve the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Note
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- To add extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the skillet for extra veggies and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
