If you are looking for a meal that is bursting with flavor yet comes together quickly, the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish pairs tender bites of golden seared chicken with pillowy potato gnocchi, all swimming in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Each mouthful delivers layers of Italian-inspired goodness made from simple ingredients that come together in one skillet. It’s comfort food elevated to an effortless weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe truly shine is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building rich flavor, silky texture, and a visually inviting dish.
- 1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1lb potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the dish, infusing everything with aromatic depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps build layers of flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing and sautéing, providing a lovely golden crust to the chicken and a fragrant base for the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that adds classic herbal notes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings for balance and enhancement.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Garlic
Start by patting your chicken pieces dry – this helps them sear beautifully. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Mince those 6 cloves of garlic fresh; it’s this fresh garlic that makes the sauce sing. Don’t forget to grate your Parmesan cheese, which will add that beloved cheesy twist at the end.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking it without moving for 3 to 4 minutes so it can develop a gorgeous golden crust. Flip and cook the other side. This searing locks in juices and flavor. If your skillet isn’t big enough, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it while stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This step is crucial – burnt garlic can turn bitter, so keep an eye on the color. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and allow them to bloom alongside the garlic, releasing those unforgettable aromas.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those yummy browned bits stuck to the pan – they’re packed with flavor and form the base of your sauce. Let the broth reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the rich, savory goodness.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi & Cream
Add your potato gnocchi directly into the simmering broth and pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir everything together, then bring the mixture back up to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let this cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will soften and absorb the luscious sauce, which thickens to a perfect, velvety consistency.
Step 6: Combine & Finish
Return your seared chicken pieces to the skillet, folding them carefully into the creamy gnocchi sauce to warm through. Once off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a silky texture and cheesy punch. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Allow your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe to rest for 2–3 minutes off the heat – this lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. Then, dish it out onto plates or bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. For those who adore cheese, extra grated Parmesan at the table never hurts!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce, adding a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note. A light sprinkle of additional Parmesan creates an irresistible cheesy topping that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This hearty skillet can stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds brightness and crunch, balancing the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in individual cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls. Add a few basil sprigs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-quality look that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as beautifully due to the cream and gnocchi – the texture may change once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwaving is possible but watch closely to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully here and saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to cook them as directed and add them directly to your sauce to absorb all the deliciousness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream provides a creamy texture with a subtle flavor twist.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Searing the chicken before adding it to the sauce adds incredible depth of flavor and ensures a nice texture contrast. Skipping this step will result in less caramelization, but it will still taste good.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini can make the dish hearty and satisfying.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
The gnocchi is done when it’s tender and floats to the surface of the sauce, usually after about 5 to 7 minutes of simmering. Be sure to taste test to confirm they’re cooked just right.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress without stress. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple, bringing together hearty ingredients in one delicious pan. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that feels fancy but cooks up in a flash!
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with Italian herbs. This easy-to-make skillet dinner comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty yet elegant dish without fuss.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Carbohydrates
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Garlic: Pat chicken dry, then cut into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed, and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
- Build Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté while stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and increase heat to medium-high to bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet vigorously to loosen any browned bits, enhancing the sauce’s flavor. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Cook Gnocchi & Cream: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the simmering broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Allow the mixture to come back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Combine & Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold gently into the sauce to warm through. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve & Garnish: Let the skillet rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes. Serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi hot, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, and offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken to get a nice golden crust.
- Stir the gnocchi occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute fresh gnocchi with frozen gnocchi, just adjust cooking time as needed.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic touch, but you can use parsley if preferred.
