Oh boy, let me tell you about my love for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender, pillowy gnocchi with juicy chicken and a creamy garlic sauce that’ll have you swooning with every bite. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the kitchen was filled with that irresistible garlic aroma, and everyone came running to see what was cooking. It’s such a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy weekends when you just want something special. Plus, it comes together in about 35 minutes, which is a total win in my book! Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this heavenly Garlic Chicken Gnocchi! You’ll need:
- 2 cups gnocchi: I love using fresh gnocchi if I can find it, but store-bought works just as well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking!
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Boneless, skinless chicken is my go-to. It cooks up so tender and juicy.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that punch of flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luscious creaminess to the sauce, but feel free to swap it out if you want something lighter.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth gives you more control over the saltiness.
- 1 cup spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color; you could also use kale if you prefer!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a splash to sauté the chicken and garlic; it brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust these to suit your palate!
Gather these goodies, and you’re all set for a delicious meal that will impress your taste buds!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to create this scrumptious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and so rewarding. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cooking the Gnocchi
First things first, let’s cook the gnocchi! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (trust me, it makes a difference). Once it’s bubbling, add the gnocchi and let them cook according to the package instructions. Usually, they’ll float to the top when they’re done, which is about 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overcook them! Drain the gnocchi and set aside while we move on to the chicken.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
Now, in a large skillet, heat that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced chicken. Let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes to develop that gorgeous golden-brown color. Then, give it a good stir and continue cooking until it’s browned all over and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
Step 3: Creating the Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, it’s garlic time! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just about a minute—you want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, pour in that chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now, here comes the creamy goodness: slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. Let it bubble away for a few minutes to thicken up a bit. Your kitchen will smell heavenly right about now!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Alright, we’re almost there! Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down—it’ll only take a minute. Now, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently mix everything together so the gnocchi is coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Delicious creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic flavor.
- Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi create a comforting dish.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy it!
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace that leaves you feeling satisfied and happy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the chicken—let it sit in the pan for a couple of minutes before stirring. This gives it that delicious golden color and enhances the flavor. Also, when cooking the gnocchi, remember to use plenty of salted water; it makes a world of difference in taste!
If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t reduce too much! And finally, feel free to play around with the veggies—zucchini or mushrooms would be fantastic additions! Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish and impress anyone you share it with!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and not exact. For a more precise breakdown, consider using a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy this delicious meal without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not in the mood for chicken, shrimp is a fantastic alternative that cooks quickly and adds a lovely sweetness. Just toss them in the skillet until they’re pink and opaque. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu works great too! Just make sure to use firm tofu, and sauté it until golden and crispy to give your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi a delightful texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free gnocchi, your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi will be gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options made from ingredients like potato or rice flour. Just be sure to double-check the labels on your chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients to keep everything safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make it lighter?
If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based milk like almond or coconut. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories. You could also use less oil when cooking the chicken or add more veggies to bulk it up without the extra calories. Little changes go a long way, and you’ll still get that amazing garlic flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi, simply transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze! Just pour the gnocchi into a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but I find the skillet method keeps the texture just right. Enjoy!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi: 35 Minutes to Comforting Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious dish featuring tender gnocchi and garlic chicken in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gnocchi
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in cooked gnocchi and mix well.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for better flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with a lighter option if desired.
- Add parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi, Chicken Gnocchi, Creamy Gnocchi