I remember distinctly the aroma that would waft from Mom’s kitchen on those rushed weeknights—a symphony of garlic, herbs, and something undeniably comforting bubbling away on the stovetop; while she never made this exact recipe, the memory inspired my version of this quick and easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner. This recipe promises to bring that same delicious comfort to your table, without you having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner
Let’s face it, we’re all busy. Between work, family, and everything else life throws our way, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. That’s where this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner comes in! It’s designed to be quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, all while using just one pan. Less cleanup? Yes, please!
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken create a symphony of flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the tender gnocchi and savory chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce) package of shelf-stable gnocchi.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low-sodium.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter option).
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (plus extra for serving).
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Spinach: 5 ounces, fresh, or a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped (optional, but adds a great burst of flavor).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner on the table in no time.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
- Add Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if desired).
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Cook Gnocchi Properly: Follow the package directions for cooking the gnocchi. They’re usually done when they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
- Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar can brighten up the flavors of the dish. Add it at the end, just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Use a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce in addition to (or instead of) the heavy cream for a tomato-based sauce.
- Pesto: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for added flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing with any pasta dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a healthy and flavorful side.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storage: Store leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner, here are a few other recipes you might like:
- Try Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for another incredibly flavorful and easy chicken dish.
- For a delightful side dish, check out Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach.
- If you love pasta, give Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try! It’s a creamy, dreamy delight.
- Craving some spice? The Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet is sure to please.
- And if you’re a garlic lover like me, you’ll adore Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Another great pasta option is Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Troubleshooting
Even the best cooks encounter hiccups sometimes! Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Gnocchi is mushy: You’ve probably overcooked the gnocchi. Be sure to follow the package directions and don’t cook them for too long.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
- Chicken is dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Cooking it in batches can help ensure it cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Garlic is burnt: Start over! Burnt garlic will ruin the flavor of the entire dish. Keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the skillet at the end, along with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, to heat it through.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- While you can freeze it, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely before reheating.
- What kind of gnocchi should I use?
- I recommend using shelf-stable gnocchi for this recipe, but you can also use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use a different type of cream?
- Yes, you can use half-and-half, milk, or even a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy.
- Can I add other herbs?
- Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme would be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect weeknight meal. So go ahead, give it a try and let me know what you think! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
How can I make this dish lighter or dairy-free?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare any of the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if desired).
