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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick, comforting, and creamy one-pan meal combining tender chicken breasts with pillowy gnocchi in a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Carbs

  • 1 package (about 16 oz) store-bought potato gnocchi

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Produce

  • 34 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Oils & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Add Gnocchi: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned. Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet, stirring gently, and cook until they start to turn golden, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously to combine the garlic flavor into the sauce. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the gnocchi perfectly.
  4. Return Chicken and Add Spinach: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and nestle them back into the skillet. Add fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the sauce, adding lovely color and a touch of freshness.
  5. Final Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend all flavors before serving hot.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed for a perfect sear every time.
  • Use fresh garlic for a vibrant, robust flavor.
  • Allow gnocchi to brown slightly for added texture instead of just boiling them.
  • Keep the cream at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
  • Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, skillet dinner, creamy chicken gnocchi, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe