Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor or convenience, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi nestled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—all brought together in one skillet. It’s weeknight-friendly, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to make everyone at your table swoon after just one bite. This is the kind of meal you’ll want to put on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Each ingredient in the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor plays an important role in building its irresistible texture, color, and heartiness—so don’t leave anything out!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces quickly cook up juicy and tender, bringing in lean protein and plenty of savoriness.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken, keeping it moist while adding its lovely Mediterranean flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce after the chicken is browned.
- Onion: A diced small onion brings gentle sweetness and base flavor to the skillet.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, ensure every bite is loaded with garlicky goodness—don’t skimp here!
- Potato gnocchi: The star of this skillet; their tender, doughy texture absorbs all the creamy flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, velvety feel that makes this dish so indulgent.
- Chicken broth: Boosts the savory factor and helps create just the right sauce consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that sharp, nutty kick that ties everything together.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of color and lightens up the dish with mild, earthy notes.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—these emphasize all the beautiful flavors already present.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes and fresh parsley: For a little heat and brightness, these are the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in your chicken pieces, sprinkle on a pinch of salt and black pepper, and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. This first step adds all-important flavor to the pan and ensures that every piece of chicken stays juicy. Once cooked, scoop out the chicken and keep it handy for later.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and toss in the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until it looks soft and fragrant, then add the minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until the aroma fills your kitchen. This layer of sweetness and garlicky punch is what makes the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor absolutely unforgettable.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet with the aromatic onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving it all a gentle stir to combine. Bring the mixture up to a nice simmer, then cover and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes. This foolproof trick means the gnocchi cook right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor and becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Finish with Chicken, Cheese, and Spinach
Take the skillet off the heat to uncover it, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Sprinkle over the grated Parmesan and add the fresh spinach, folding everything together. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens beautifully. Now’s the moment to taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Give your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor a final flourish with fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan. Serve warm and watch those first forkfuls disappear—it’s just that irresistible!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor
Garnishes
This skillet begs for a beautiful finish! A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens the dish, while an extra shower of Parmesan cheese amps up the savory factor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes or some crispy bacon bits can boost color and flavor, making every plate pop.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor is super satisfying all on its own, but a fresh green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette provides a zesty counterpoint. For heartier appetites, serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to mop up that luscious sauce—you’ll be glad you did!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Garnish each portion in miniature cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, topped with a few extra shavings of Parmesan and a twist of black pepper. You can even nestle the skillet in the center of your table for a charming, family-style meal that shouts comfort and togetherness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any uneaten Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor, simply let it cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping those flavors vibrant and the sauce ultra creamy.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Place the cooled skilet contents in a freezer-safe container. Just keep in mind that the sauce might separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir as you reheat will bring it back together nicely.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze: simply warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce needs loosening. You can also zap portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor tastes almost as great the next day!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it in step four, letting it warm through with the sauce, Parmesan, and spinach until everything is creamy and blended.
Do I need to boil the gnocchi before adding it to the skillet?
No boiling required! Add the gnocchi straight to the skillet with the liquids; it will cook to perfection as it simmers in the sauce, soaking up all those fantastic flavors.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can lighten up the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for some or all of the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be super tasty.
What other vegetables can I add?
This dish is easy to personalize. Try tossing in sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped kale along with the spinach for extra color and nutrition. They blend beautifully into the creamy sauce!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To turn the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor vegetarian, simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Boost the protein with a can of drained white beans or extra hearty veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for something comforting yet quick, the Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor is pure magic. Each bite brims with flavor, coziness, and a little bit of Italian-inspired flair. Try it out soon—you’ll want to share this one with your favorite people, too!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe to Savor Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delectable Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. A comforting one-pan meal that blends tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Skillet:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet: Melt butter, cook onion until soft, add garlic. Add gnocchi, broth, and cream. Simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked chicken, Parmesan, and spinach. Cook until wilted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Store-bought gnocchi works well. No need to pre-boil.
- Enhance with bacon bits or swap spinach for kale for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
