If you are craving a cozy, creamy dinner that feels like a warm embrace, the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe is here to delight your senses and satisfy your hunger in the best possible way. This dish combines tender bites of garlic-infused chicken with pillowy potato gnocchi all simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce loaded with Parmesan and Italian herbs. It’s incredibly simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, giving you that comforting restaurant-quality meal right at home with minimal fuss. Every forkful bursts with flavor and texture, making this recipe an instant go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you want something special on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this spectacular Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe. Each part plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures—whether it’s the juicy chicken, delicate gnocchi, or fragrant garlic and herbs.
- 1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces allows for quick, even cooking and a juicy tender result.
- 1lb potato gnocchi: These little pillows bring soft, chewy texture that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic star of the dish providing robust and savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps deglaze the skillet for extra flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding sharpness and richness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing chicken and sautéing garlic, bringing a subtle fruitiness and golden crust.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend of spices that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, adding a burst of vibrant green freshness and color.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Garlic
Start by patting your chicken pieces dry for a better sear, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic cloves finely so they release their full flavor throughout the dish. Also, grate the Parmesan cheese fresh, as it will melt smoothly into the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay down the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a gorgeous golden crust forms. This searing step locks in moisture and flavor. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside, keeping that beautiful browning intact.
Step 3: Build Flavor Base
Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. As the aroma awakens your senses, sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and let them toast in the warming pan for thirty seconds. This invites the herbs’ fragrance to bloom and elevates the sauce’s flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, raising the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a simmer. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the pan’s bottom to lift all those delicious browned bits left from searing the chicken. These bits pack incredible umami and develop the dish’s deep savory foundation. Let the broth reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi & Cream
Gently add the potato gnocchi right into the simmering broth, then pour in the heavy cream. Give everything a slow stir, combining the ingredients evenly. Bring it back to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the gnocchi cook, uncovered, while stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and the sauce thickens into a luxuriously creamy consistency that clings perfectly to each morsel.
Step 6: Combine & Finish
Return the browned chicken pieces into the skillet, folding them into the sauce gently to warm through without breaking apart. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the sauce’s body. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or freshly ground black pepper if desired to ensure every bite sings.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Allow the skillet to rest off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly more. Serve the hot Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe by plating it generously and garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, colorful finish. If you love, keep extra grated Parmesan nearby for sprinkling.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh basil leaves add an herbaceous brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the dish’s creaminess. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This skillet feast is already rich and satisfying on its own, but light and crisp side salads such as a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus pair beautifully, providing balance and fresh textures on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this feast family-style right from the skillet at the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves and enjoy the cozy communal vibe. Alternatively, plate individual portions in rustic bowls to highlight the creamy sauce and garnish vibrantly. Adding a crusty bread on the side invites lovely sauce mopping, making the meal all the more indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness and flavors.
Freezing
While the dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. For optimal texture, freeze for no longer than two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating on medium power in short bursts also works well for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this recipe and cooks quickly in the skillet, saving prep time while delivering that pillowy texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a savory touch while keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables to this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms complements the flavors and adds color plus extra nutrients effortlessly.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken pieces should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking 3-4 minutes per side usually does the trick for bite-size chunks.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe is truly a standout dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease, making it an absolute winner in my cookbook. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and impresses your loved ones with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this delicious skillet feast as much as I do—it’s comfort food elevated to pure magic!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Feast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, delicious one-pan meal featuring juicy seared chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting dinner that comes together in under an hour, it delivers rich flavors and tender textures with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Gnocchi
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
Sauce and 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 and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Garlic: Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese for later use.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Build Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and increase heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a simmer and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.
- Cook Gnocchi & Cream: Add the potato gnocchi directly into the simmering broth. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine. Bring back to a gentle simmer, then lower heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine & Finish: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and fold gently into the creamy sauce to warm through. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve & Garnish: Let the skillet rest off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Divide the garlic chicken gnocchi among serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table if desired.
Notes
- Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even searing and a caramelized crust.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it should be fragrant and lightly golden.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal freshness but can be substituted with parsley if needed.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth.
