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
Scale
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.
