30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
This 30-Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and comforting meal packed with garlicky flavor and creamy texture. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are seared and combined with pillowy potato gnocchi in a silky garlic cream sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality yet comes together effortlessly in one pan.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. 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 burn it to preserve its flavor.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add extra flavor to the sauce.
- Cook the 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 begin to soften and become tender.
- Add cream and thicken sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir gently. Let the sauce simmer another 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- To add extra nutrition and color, toss in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms along with the gnocchi.
- Be careful not to burn garlic during sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- This dish can be easily doubled to serve more people.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi, creamy chicken skillet, one-pan chicken gnocchi, easy weeknight dinner, Italian gnocchi recipe