Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! This dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also packed with rich, comforting flavors that make your taste buds sing. Picture this: tender chicken pieces, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce all coming together in one glorious skillet. On those hectic evenings when I’m juggling work and family, this is my go-to recipe. I can have it ready in just about 30 minutes, and the smell wafting through the kitchen? Oh wow! It’s the kind of aroma that makes everyone come running to the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Ingredients List
To make this delicious garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Fresh chicken is best for flavor and tenderness. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 pound gnocchi: These little pillows of goodness are the star of the dish. You can find them in the pasta aisle, and don’t worry, they cook up quickly!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that amazing depth of flavor. Adjust the amount based on how much you love that garlicky punch!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter twist, feel free to swap it out for half-and-half.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness of the dish. It’ll add moisture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to sauté the chicken and garlic. Don’t skip this—it helps everything cook beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning. I always say, taste as you go!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: This is optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness at the end.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a scrumptious meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the steps to whip up this mouthwatering garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time. Just follow along, and you’ll be a gnocchi pro in no time!
Step 1: Heating the Skillet
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer a bit, which usually takes about a minute or two. This is when the magic begins! Just a little tip: make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken—this helps get that nice golden brown color.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Once your skillet is hot and ready, toss in the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. You’re looking for no pink in the middle, so don’t be shy—cut a piece to check if you need to! The goal here is juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Sautéing the Garlic
Now, it’s garlic time! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for just one minute. Keep an eye on it because garlic can burn quickly! You want it to be fragrant and golden, not dark brown. Trust me, burnt garlic is a flavor no one wants!
Step 4: Adding the Broth
Next, stir in that lovely chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s simmering when you see small bubbles forming but not a full-on boil. This is where all those flavors start to meld together beautifully!
Step 5: Cooking the Gnocchi
Now, it’s time to add the gnocchi! Toss them into the skillet and cook according to the package instructions—typically, this is about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they float to the top. That’s when you know they’re perfectly pillowy and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Step 6: Combining Cream
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens! The sauce should become creamy and dreamy. Make sure to stir thoroughly so every bit of gnocchi and chicken gets that luxurious coating.
Step 7: Seasoning the Dish
Now, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste—don’t be afraid to taste as you go. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust as you like. This is your dish, so make it perfect for you!
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Just chop it up and sprinkle it over the top! Serve it hot right from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal. You can even plate it with a little extra parsley on top for that restaurant-worthy touch. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed in this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on available data, so they might vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
This dish is not only delicious but also gives you a good balance of protein and carbs to keep you satisfied! Enjoy your meal without the guilt!
Tips for Success
To ensure your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some pro tips that will elevate your cooking game! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom make all the difference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and garlic. They pack more flavor and make your dish shine. Dried garlic just doesn’t cut it here!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If you’re making a larger batch, consider using two skillets instead of cramming everything into one. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, and we want that lovely golden crust on the chicken!
- Timing is Key: Pay attention to cooking times, especially for the gnocchi. Once they float, they’re ready! If you leave them too long, they can become mushy, which is not the texture we want.
- Adjust the Cream: If you want a lighter dish, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or half-and-half. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories!
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy about tasting your dish throughout the cooking process. This way, you can adjust seasoning and flavors to your liking. It’s your masterpiece, after all!
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. If you have other herbs like basil or thyme, feel free to toss those in for an extra flavor kick!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s hot and creamy. If you let it sit too long, the sauce can thicken up. Just keep your family close, and everyone will love diving into this dish together!
With these tips, you’ll be a garlic chicken gnocchi skillet pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit with your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, I’ve got some fantastic variations that’ll keep your taste buds excited! The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to experiment! Here are my favorite ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Both options bring their own unique flavors to the dish!
- Load Up on Veggies: Add some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and color. Just toss them in when you add the garlic, and let them wilt and soften in the skillet.
- Change up the Sauce: For a bit of a kick, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also experiment with different sauces, like a pesto or a sun-dried tomato cream sauce!
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese right before serving for a cheesy, gooey finish that’ll take the dish to the next level.
- Herb Infusion: Try using different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of Italian seasoning to add depth to the dish. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors remarkably!
- Gnocchi Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own gnocchi! It’s a little more work but oh-so-worth it. Or, consider using sweet potato gnocchi for a different flavor profile.
These variations are not just fun but also allow you to tailor the dish to your preference or what you have on hand. So, go ahead and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh, and you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the stovetop. Just scoop the leftovers into a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to keep it moist. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through. This way, the gnocchi stays tender and the sauce remains creamy—nobody wants a dried-out meal, right? You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but keep it covered and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure it warms evenly.
And there you go! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the flavors of your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet all over again. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy garlic sauce creates a rich and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze! Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal.
- Customizable: Whether you want to swap proteins, add veggies, or play with sauces, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your tastes and what you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by choosing gluten-free gnocchi, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors and textures in this dish, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy family meal or plate it for a dinner party—either way, it looks and tastes gourmet!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30-Minute Comfort Delight
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet
