30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a delightful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi in a rich garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe offers a quick yet satisfying meal that can be easily tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this skillet meal is sure to impress with its bold flavors and comforting textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, cream, and cheese creates a rich sauce that elevates the entire meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute proteins to suit your cravings.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy, delicious dish.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this scrumptious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and gnocchi together while allowing for even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your skillet and helps scrape up flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Gnocchi

• 1 lb potato gnocchi

For the Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic, minced (because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – we want that gorgeous garlic flavor without any bitterness!

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These little flavor bombs will enhance your sauce’s deliciousness!

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring everything to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.

Step 5: Stir in Cream

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Cheese

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until melted cheese incorporates into the sauce, heating through all ingredients.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your dish! Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!

Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet!

How to Serve 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

This creamy and flavorful Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not only quick to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with various accompaniments for a complete meal that delights the senses.

With Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil leaves on top enhances the dish’s flavor and adds a vibrant touch.

With Garlic Bread

• Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce, making every bite more enjoyable.

With a Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the skillet.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Complement the dish with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

With Grated Cheese

• Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love an extra cheesy finish.

How to Perfect 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

To get the most out of your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and high-quality gnocchi will enhance the overall taste of your meal.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Sauté garlic until fragrant but avoid burning it; burnt garlic can turn bitter.
• Adjust Creaminess: Modify the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for a lighter or richer sauce.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper carefully to achieve a balanced flavor.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding spinach or kale in the last minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Use Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.

Best Side Dishes for 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

Pairing your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the skillet.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the creaminess of the dish.

3. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutritious green element that’s easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a refreshing contrast to rich gnocchi.

5. Roasted Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds elegance and pairs beautifully with chicken and gnocchi flavors.

6. Quinoa Pilaf
   A savory quinoa pilaf offers a hearty side that complements the creamy texture of the main dish while being nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and mistakes often happen! Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making your 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet.

• Overcooking the chicken: It’s easy to leave chicken on the heat too long. Aim for a golden brown color and use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).

• Not using enough seasoning: Flavor is key! Make sure to season your chicken and sauce adequately with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced dish.

• Burning the garlic: Garlic adds amazing flavor, but it can burn quickly. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, and remove it from the heat if it starts to brown.

• Skipping the scraping step: Don’t forget to scrape up the browned bits from the skillet after cooking the chicken. These add depth of flavor to your sauce.

• Ignoring gnocchi cooking time: Gnocchi cooks fast! Keep an eye on them as they only need about 3-4 minutes in the broth before being combined with cream.

• Neglecting garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds brightness and color to your dish. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring gently until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

How long does it take to make the 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)?

This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference.

What type of gnocchi should I use for the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or make your own if you have time. Both work wonderfully!

Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I customize my Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is not only quick but also packed with flavors that everyone will love. Its creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and soft gnocchi. Plus, feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or swapping proteins based on what you have on hand. Try this recipe tonight for a comforting meal that fits any palate!