Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, look no further than this Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet recipe. This dish brings together tender pieces of chicken and pillowy gnocchi all cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The combination of crispy chicken and soft gnocchi makes for a perfect balance of textures, while the gnocchi sauce ties everything together in a mouthwatering way.

Whether you’re a fan of chicken gnocchi skillet meals or are trying making gnocchi for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this savory, garlicky, and creamy dish is bound to become your go-to recipe for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather the ingredients to prepare this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need for your chicken and gnocchi skillet:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 (16 oz) package of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. Follow these steps to make your delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. This is the foundation for your savory garlic sauce, and the aroma will have your stomach growling in anticipation.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

While the onions and garlic are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 2-3 minutes). The gnocchi will rise to the surface of the water when it’s done, indicating it’s ready. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s build the gnocchi sauce. In the same skillet with the onions and garlic, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to the surface. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Afterward, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning (if using). Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Gnocchi

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to combine and coat the chicken in the creamy garlic sauce. Add the gnocchi to the skillet as well, stirring gently so that each piece of gnocchi is evenly coated in the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is nicely combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your chicken gnocchi skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent, comforting dish.

Tips for Success

Homemade Gnocchi: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making gnocchi from scratch. The homemade version adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish, and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
Chicken Alternatives: You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even roasted vegetables if you’re looking for a different twist on this recipe.
Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gnocchi sauce. This will give your dish a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic base.
Cheese Variations: While Parmesan cheese adds a great depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a different texture and taste.
Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a little extra cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Comforting & Hearty: There’s something so comforting about a dish that combines tender chicken with gnocchi and a luscious creamy garlic sauce. It’s the perfect combination for a satisfying meal, especially on chilly evenings.
Quick & Easy: Despite its rich flavors, this recipe comes together quickly. From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a hearty lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.
Versatile: This dish is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the protein, add vegetables, or even change the sauce to suit your taste. It’s a great base recipe that allows you to get creative in the kitchen.
Deliciously Creamy: The creamy garlic sauce envelops the gnocchi chicken and makes every bite melt in your mouth. The Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness that elevates the dish even more.

Gnocchi Variations

If you’re looking to change up the recipe and experiment with different types of gnocchi, here are a few ideas:

Sweet Potato Gnocchi: For a sweeter and slightly lighter alternative, try using sweet potato gnocchi. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory garlic sauce.
Cauliflower Gnocchi: If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower gnocchi is a great option. It’s lighter but still gives you that same comforting, pillowy texture.
Spinach or Ricotta Gnocchi: If you want to add an extra dose of greens to your meal, try spinach or ricotta gnocchi. The spinach adds color and nutrition, while the ricotta gives a rich, soft texture to the gnocchi.

Pairing Suggestions

This chicken and gnocchi dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages:

Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the creamy garlic sauce. Consider using arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a fresh contrast.
Wine: Pair this dish with a white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio. The creamy sauce and chicken will complement the subtle acidity of the wine.
Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all the extra gnocchi sauce. A garlic bread or a simple baguette would be perfect.

Conclusion

The Savory Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet is a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers all the flavors you crave in a simple, easy-to-make dish. The tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy garlic sauce make this meal irresistible. It’s not just a meal – it’s comfort food at its best.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, flavorful, and filling, whip up this chicken gnocchi skillet and indulge in the creamy, savory goodness that only gnocchi chicken can offer. Happy cooking!