Description
Quick and easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. A comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Season Base: Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Create Sauce: Remove lid. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Add Greens: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until spinach wilts.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional).
Notes
- Chicken Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Gnocchi Texture: Cooking time may vary by brand. Gnocchi should be tender but not mushy.
- Sauce Consistency: Sauce will thicken as it cools. Add broth to thin if needed.
- Spinach Addition: Add spinach at the end to prevent over-wilting.
- Parmesan Cheese Quality: Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for best flavor.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh parsley adds the best flavor.
- Salt and Pepper Adjustment: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Skillet Size: A 12-inch skillet is ideal.
- Stirring Technique: Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Garlic Flavor: Add extra garlic to taste.
- Onion Caramelization: Caramelize onions for deeper flavor.
- Broth Choice: Use good quality chicken broth.
- Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Pesto: Stir in pesto for a twist.
- Wine: Deglaze the pan with white wine for added depth.
- Bacon or Pancetta: Add bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Add bell peppers for a colorful addition.
- Zucchini: Add zucchini for a healthy addition.
- Asparagus: Add asparagus for a spring-inspired dish.
- Peas: Add frozen peas for a sweet addition.
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheese: 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes