If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and quick to whip up, you’re going to love this 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video). Imagine tender chicken chunks mingling with soft, pillowy gnocchi all drenched in a creamy garlic sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that brings a burst of Italian-American goodness without any fuss. Whether you’re a busy parent or just want to impress your friends with minimal effort, this skillet dish has got you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make every bite delightful. Each one plays a key role, from juicy chicken to that rich, creamy sauce and the aromatic punch of garlic.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 lb potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, these little dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Because there’s no such thing as too much garlic; it brings bold flavor without overwhelming.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds that luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that ties the dish together.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For golden searing and adding richness without heaviness.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A blend that adds subtle earthiness and depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, enhancing every element perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant note to brighten each serving.
How to Make 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until they develop that gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside—this keeps the chicken juicy and lets you use the same pan for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Watch closely because garlic cooks fast—you want it fragrant and slightly golden, not burned. This step unlocks that unmistakable garlic aroma that’s the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet. These little morsels are pure gold, adding depth and richness to your sauce. Let this simmer briefly before moving on.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as the gnocchi softens, usually around 3-4 minutes. It’s exciting to see them go from firm to pillowy, soaking up the broth and garlic flavors.
Step 5: Enrich with Cream and Cheese
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream gently. Let the sauce thicken over 2-3 minutes, becoming luscious and velvety. Then, add your cooked chicken and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is heated through, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Give your skillet a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, seasoning is personal, and this is your chance to make the dish sing. Once balanced, your 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video) is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for finishing this dish—they add a vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce and boost the aroma with a hint of herbal brightness. You could also grate a bit more Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a full meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. Steamed asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens up the richness perfectly and adds that nice crunchy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet right from the pan at the table for a rustic vibe. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls garnished with microgreens or fresh herbs for an elegant presentation that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but because of the cream sauce and gnocchi texture, freezing may slightly affect the gnocchi’s softness. If freezing, place portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your skillet on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep the gnocchi tender. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking and the chicken drying out.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly here and cuts down prep time. Just look for fresh or refrigerated varieties for the best texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy cashew sauce, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan twist that still offers rich flavor.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
In a pinch, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt. However, chicken broth adds savory depth that really enhances the sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Many brands offer gluten-free gnocchi, so just be sure to check the packaging. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to stir the gnocchi occasionally while simmering, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet so they cook gently without sticking or drying out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video) enough for your next busy night when you want comfort food fast. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, making it a fabulous go-to recipe you’ll keep returning to. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (+Video)
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi cooked together in a creamy garlic-infused sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory flavors and a luscious texture, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that is both satisfying and easily customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 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
Additional
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn to avoid bitterness.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these add great flavor to the sauce.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi checked carefully on packaging.
- Be careful not to burn garlic as it can turn bitter and spoil the flavor.
- Make sure chicken is cooked fully through to ensure food safety.