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Comforting Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Category: Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day

This one-pan garlic chicken gnocchi dish combines a rich Parmesan sauce and tender gnocchi for a 30-minute weekday win.
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Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:25:41 GMT
Comforting Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Pin
Comforting Garlic Chicken Gnocchi | thefamilycooks.com

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet combines tender potato dumplings with juicy chicken in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. In just 30 minutes, basic pantry ingredients transform into an elegant Italian-inspired meal perfect for busy evenings.

The aroma of sautéed garlic and herbs fills the kitchen as this dish comes together. It's a reliable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with home cooking simplicity.

Key Ingredients

  • Shelf-stable gnocchi: Traditional potato dumplings that hold their shape
  • Boneless chicken: Cut into even 1-inch pieces
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Minced just before cooking
  • Heavy whipping cream: The base for the silky sauce
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated for best melting
  • Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1:
Prepare ingredients and heat pan. Cut chicken uniformly and mince garlic.
Step 2:
Sear chicken until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 3:
Sauté minced garlic in the same pan, using residual heat.
Step 4:
Add gnocchi directly to sauce, stirring occasionally as they cook.
Step 5:
Combine chicken with gnocchi, letting flavors meld together.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Pin
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | thefamilycooks.com

Traditional Italian cooking emphasizes gentle handling of gnocchi to maintain their light, pillowy texture - a technique that proves essential in this modern interpretation.

Choosing the Right Pan

Select a heavy-gauge skillet for consistent heat distribution and sauce development.

Serving Suggestions

Complement with fresh arugula dressed in citrus vinaigrette for contrast.

Storage Instructions

When reheating, add a touch of cream to maintain the sauce consistency.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Pin
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | thefamilycooks.com

Incorporate roasted red peppers or fresh spinach for additional flavor dimensions.

This versatile skillet dinner elevates weeknight cooking with its blend of classic Italian ingredients and modern convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Will lower-fat cream work?
Sure, swap heavy cream with milk or half-and-half if you prefer.
→ Is gluten-free gnocchi an option?
Absolutely, most stores carry gluten-free gnocchi these days.
→ Why scrape the pan as you cook?
It adds those caramelized bits to the sauce for extra flavor.
→ How can I tell the gnocchi is done?
Once it’s soft and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes should do it.
→ Can leftover chicken be used?
Definitely, toss in cooked chicken toward the end to just heat up.

Chicken & Creamy Gnocchi

Soft potato gnocchi and chicken blended into a creamy and cheesy garlic sauce. Quick, easy, and all in one pan.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Pasta

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Makes: 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Main ingredients

01 1 pound of small chicken breast pieces, boneless and without skin
02 1 pound of potato gnocchi
03 6 garlic cloves, chopped finely
04 1 cup of thick heavy cream
05 1 cup of chicken stock
06 Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese
07 2 tablespoons of olive oil

→ Seasonings and garnish

08 1 teaspoon of dried herbs often used in Italian cooking
09 A pinch of salt and freshly crushed black pepper (adjust to taste)
10 Fresh basil to sprinkle on top before serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Pour olive oil into a large pan and warm it up on medium-high heat. Add some salt, pepper, and those Italian herbs to the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden and fully cooked through. Then, take it out and set aside.

Step 02

Using the same pan, toss in the chopped garlic, and cook it for roughly 30 seconds. It’ll smell amazing, but don’t let it burn.

Step 03

Pour the chicken broth into the pan, making sure to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits at the bottom. Throw in the gnocchi and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring every so often until they start to soften.

Step 04

Turn the heat down to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes as it thickens into a sauce.

Step 05

Put the chicken back into the pan and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated all the way through. Adjust the taste with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

Additional Notes

  1. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter option.
  2. Try gluten-free gnocchi if you’re avoiding gluten.
  3. Those flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken really boost the sauce’s taste!

Essential Tools

  • A big frying pan
  • A wooden spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Uses dairy (Parmesan cheese, heavy cream)
  • Includes gluten from gnocchi