Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seared chicken pieces are combined with pillowy potato gnocchi and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a luxurious yet easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Gnocchi
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Garlic: Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese.
- 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, working in batches if needed, and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Build Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté while stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the dried Italian herbs for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, then increase heat to medium-high to bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet and loosen browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavor.
- Cook Gnocchi and Cream: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the simmering broth and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer again. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce thickens luxuriously.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and fold them into the creamy gnocchi sauce to warm through. Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Let the skillet rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes. Divide the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi among serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
Notes
- Cooking chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents overcrowding.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; reduce heat if necessary.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer, stirring frequently.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely bright, herbal note – substitute with fresh parsley if desired.
- Use gnocchi straight from the package – no pre-boiling needed as it will cook in the sauce.
