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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.