Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Prepare to be amazed by this one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your own kitchen! Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken and pillowy soft gnocchi, all bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

While gnocchi itself has roots in ancient Roman cuisine, evolving from simple dumplings to the potato-based delights we know today, this particular skillet creation is a modern twist on classic comfort food. It takes the best elements of Italian-American cooking – rich sauces, satisfying textures, and bold flavors – and streamlines them into a quick and easy weeknight meal.

What makes this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures: the slight crispness of the chicken, the chewiness of the gnocchi, and the velvety smoothness of the sauce. The garlic adds a pungent kick that complements the richness of the cream, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in one skillet means fewer dishes to wash – a win-win in my book! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the black pepper. This will ensure each piece is nicely seasoned.
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later on. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a clean bowl. We don’t want to overcook it, as it will continue to cook later.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. This will build a flavorful base for our sauce.

Cooking the Gnocchi and Building the Sauce:

1. Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet with the onions and garlic. There’s no need to pre-cook the gnocchi; we’re going to cook it right in the sauce!
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
3. Remove the lid from the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sauce will start to thicken as the cheese melts.
4. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from scorching.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the gnocchi and sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and spinach. Cook for another minute or two, or until the spinach has wilted.
3. Give it a final stir and make sure everything is well combined.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
3. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them until they’re cooked through.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of Parmesan.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Detailed Cooking Notes:

Chicken Doneness: Ensuring the chicken is cooked through is crucial for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece of chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Gnocchi Texture: The cooking time for gnocchi can vary slightly depending on the brand. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness by piercing a piece with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy.

Sauce Consistency: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.

Spinach Addition: Add the spinach at the very end to prevent it from becoming too wilted and mushy. It should just barely wilt before serving.

Parmesan Cheese Quality: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Herb Freshness: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use about half the amount.

Salt and Pepper Adjustment: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need to add much salt.

Skillet Size: Using a large skillet is important to ensure that all the ingredients have enough room to cook evenly. A 12-inch skillet is ideal.

Stirring Technique: Stirring the gnocchi and sauce frequently will prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensure that the sauce cooks evenly.

Garlic Flavor: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two of garlic to the skillet. Just be careful not to burn it.

Onion Caramelization: For a deeper flavor, you can caramelize the onions before adding the garlic. Cook them over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and sweet.

Broth Choice: Using a good quality chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the dish. You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.

Cream Alternatives: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner. You can also use a combination of milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest along with the parsley and spinach.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add about 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet along with the onions and garlic for a burst of flavor.

Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto at the end for a delicious twist.

Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the onions and garlic for added depth of flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the gnocchi.

Bacon or Pancetta: Cook some bacon or pancetta in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic for a smoky flavor. Remove the bacon or pancetta from the skillet and set aside, then crumble it over the dish before serving.

Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.

Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the skillet along with the onions and garlic for a colorful and flavorful addition.

Zucchini: Add diced zucchini to the skillet along with the onions and garlic for a healthy and delicious addition.

Asparagus: Add chopped asparagus to the skillet along with the spinach for a spring-inspired dish.

Peas: Add frozen

Conclusion:

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the perfectly seared chicken to the pillowy soft gnocchi, all bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce, every bite is a comforting and satisfying experience. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious. But what makes this dish a must-try? It’s the simplicity combined with the depth of flavor. The garlic, of course, is the star, but it’s balanced beautifully by the richness of the cream and the subtle sweetness of the chicken. The gnocchi adds a delightful texture that elevates the entire dish. It’s a complete meal in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment. Looking for serving suggestions? This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet pairs perfectly with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the sauce and provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, some steamed broccoli or asparagus would also be excellent choices. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. And don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you could easily substitute it with shrimp or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, try adding some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is always a classic, but you could also try using mozzarella or provolone for a meltier, stretchier texture. A touch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like a bit of spice. Another variation I love is adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. It wilts down beautifully and adds a boost of nutrients and color. You could also stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor. The possibilities are endless! I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a guaranteed winner. Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this recipe. Let me know if you have any questions, too! I’m here to help you succeed in the kitchen.

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