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30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • 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 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. Ready in just half an hour, it combines rich heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese for a quick yet indulgent dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Proteins

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

Carbohydrates

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to preserve its flavor.
  3. Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
  4. Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to soften and become tender.
  5. Add the cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Combine chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the chicken is warmed through.
  7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the chicken back in.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish—feel free to add more according to your taste.
  • Make sure to stir the gnocchi gently to avoid breaking them apart.