Growing up in a kitchen where garlic was king and Italian comfort food was our daily bread, I remember my grandmother always saying, “If you’re unsure what to cook, start with garlic and go from there.” This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe pays homage to her philosophy. Blending the heartiness of Italian gnocchi with creamy American skillet-style cooking, it’s the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth — whether it’s the chill of winter or the bustle of a summer evening.
This dish is a weeknight miracle. It’s creamy, garlicky, and rich — yet light enough to avoid that post-dinner slump. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
This recipe is the definition of cozy. It combines the softness of gnocchi — those pillowy potato dumplings — with golden chicken and a sauce that’s rich in garlic and cream. Here’s why this dish stands out:
- One-skillet magic: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy dinner with family.
- Customizable: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to tweak it your way.
- Balanced flavor: Garlic-forward but mellowed by cream and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ 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
Instructions
1. Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and the Italian herbs. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it down!), add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful — garlic burns fast and loses its sweet flavor.
3. Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the golden bits from the bottom. These add a depth of flavor that takes your sauce to the next level.
4. Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet. Let it simmer in the broth for 3–4 minutes until tender and starting to puff.
5. Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet along with the Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil for a burst of color and herbaceous finish. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Green Boost: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Skillet
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi — it becomes mushy fast. Cook just until tender.
- Use fresh Parmesan — pre-shredded doesn’t melt the same way.
- Fresh basil is best, but a sprinkle of dried works in a pinch.
Wine Pairing
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled Pinot Grigio or even a light Chardonnay, complementing the creamy sauce without overpowering the garlic notes.
Share Your Twist!
Tried this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet? Share your version on Instagram and tag us! Whether you added veggies, changed the herbs, or made it dairy-free — we’d love to see your spin on it.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ 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
Instructions
Brown the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and the Italian herbs. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet (don’t wipe it down!), add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful — garlic burns fast and loses its sweet flavor.
Deglaze with Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the golden bits from the bottom. These add a depth of flavor that takes your sauce to the next level.
Cook the Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet. Let it simmer in the broth for 3–4 minutes until tender and starting to puff.
Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh basil for a burst of color and herbaceous finish. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
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