Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in a flash, then my garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is just the thing! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—imagine tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce all mingling together in one pan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The best part? It’s so satisfying that you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar without all the fuss! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home, too.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi, fresh or packaged
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for that punch of flavor
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed down
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste, to season
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to get that chicken perfectly browned!
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Ooh, that sizzle is music to my ears!
- Next, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Make sure to stir it around so it doesn’t burn—nobody likes burnt garlic!
- Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the skillet.
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet, following the cooking instructions on the package. Typically, it takes about 2-3 minutes to cook. Keep an eye on it!
- Once the gnocchi starts to float, stir in the fresh spinach and let it cook until wilted, which should only take about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix everything together until well combined. Ahh, it’s starting to look delicious!
- Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens, my friends!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà! You’ve got a stunning garlic chicken gnocchi skillet ready to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and creamy garlic sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
- One-pan meal means minimal cleanup—yay!
- Versatile: swap out chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies!
- It’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet turns out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First, don’t skip the browning step for the chicken; it adds amazing flavor that makes a huge difference! When cooking the gnocchi, be sure to follow the package instructions closely since cooking times can vary between brands—this way, you’ll get that lovely, fluffy texture. If you want to amp up the garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic or even a sprinkle of garlic powder as it cooks. Also, I love using fresh spinach, but you could totally swap it for kale or even sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist! And lastly, remember to taste as you go—seasoning is key for bringing out all those delicious flavors!
Variations of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! For a seafood twist, try swapping the chicken for shrimp or scallops—just cook them until they’re pink and tender. Want to pack in more veggies? Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, you can add cooked Italian sausage for a spicy kick. And for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with earthy flavors. The possibilities are endless, and I love experimenting with whatever I have on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is super easy! Just let the skillet cool down a bit, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again! When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend gently warming it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it nice and creamy. Stir it occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid to avoid splatters. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite again!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these estimates as a guideline! Here’s a breakdown for one serving of my garlic chicken gnocchi skillet:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a satisfying protein punch, making it a great choice for a hearty meal. Enjoy every mouthful while feeling good about what’s on your plate!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing, and they’ll cook up beautifully.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to use shrimp, scallops, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep it in advance, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. If you must prepare ahead, store each component separately and combine before serving.
What should I serve with garlic chicken gnocchi skillet?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread would complement it nicely!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 7 Comforting Flavors Unleashed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious garlic chicken gnocchi skillet dish that combines tender chicken, gnocchi, and a rich garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and mix well.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet