Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. The pillowy gnocchi soak up the creamy garlic sauce while tender chicken pieces add satisfying protein. I've perfected this one-pan wonder over countless family dinners, and it never fails to impress even my pickiest eaters.

I first created this recipe when I needed something quick yet special for unexpected dinner guests. They were so impressed they asked for the recipe before leaving, and it's now become my signature dish when I want to show love through food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces ensure quick cooking and even flavor distribution
• Potato gnocchi provide pillow soft texture that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully
• Six cloves of garlic create the aromatic foundation this dish is famous for
• Heavy cream produces the silky luxurious sauce that coats every bite
• Chicken broth adds depth while keeping the sauce from being too rich
• Parmesan cheese brings salty nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce
• Olive oil with its fruity notes is perfect for sautéing the chicken
• Dried Italian herbs provide classic Mediterranean flavor without requiring a fully stocked herb garden
• Fresh basil leaves add bright color and aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add chicken pieces and season generously with salt, pepper and Italian herbs. Allow the chicken to develop a golden crust before stirring, about 2 minutes per side. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6 8 minutes total. The caramelization creates essential flavor compounds. Remove chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Create the Aromatic Base

Add minced garlic to the empty skillet, reducing heat slightly to prevent burning. Sauté for exactly 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant and just barely golden. This quick cooking preserves garlic's complex flavors without introducing bitterness.

Deglaze and Cook Gnocchi

Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape vigorously at the browned bits stuck to the pan bottom. These caramelized remnants dissolve into the liquid, creating incredible depth of flavor. Add the gnocchi directly to this flavorful liquid and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 4 minutes, occasionally stirring gently until the gnocchi begins to float and becomes tender.

Develop the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium low before adding heavy cream to prevent curdling. Pour in a steady stream while stirring. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 3 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. The gnocchi will continue absorbing flavor during this stage.

Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything and stir gently to incorporate. Continue cooking for another 1 2 minutes until the cheese completely melts and the chicken reheats. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should richly coat each piece of chicken and gnocchi.

Bookmark

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the gnocchi absorb the garlicky cream sauce, becoming flavor bombs that burst in your mouth. I remember the first time I served this to my mother in law, who claimed she didn't like gnocchi. After one bite, she not only cleaned her plate but asked for seconds and has requested it at every family gathering since.

Making It Ahead

This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal planning. To prepare in advance, follow all steps except adding the Parmesan cheese. Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Add the Parmesan just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Simple Substitutions

While traditional potato gnocchi create the authentic experience, this recipe adapts wonderfully to what you have available. Cauliflower gnocchi offer a lower carb alternative with similar texture. Short pasta shapes like orecchiette or farfalle work beautifully if gnocchi aren't available. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as luxurious. Rotisserie chicken can replace raw chicken when you're extra short on time simply shred and add it when you would return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy skillet begs for something bright and acidic alongside it. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich main dish. For a complete meal, serve with roasted asparagus or broccolini that can be dragged through the extra sauce. A crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette ensures not a drop of the precious garlic sauce goes to waste. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the creaminess.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this dish?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and is what makes it such a quick and convenient meal. Both shelf-stable and refrigerated varieties will work well.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk provides similar creaminess, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like peppers when sautéing the garlic, and more delicate ones like spinach or tomatoes during the final few minutes of cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in juicier meat. They may need an extra minute or two of cooking time but follow the same process of cooking until golden brown and cooked through.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

To reduce calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less Parmesan cheese. Adding extra vegetables will also bulk up the dish while adding fewer calories than the cream-based components.