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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet mixes soft potato dumplings with juicy chicken chunks in a thick, garlicky cream mixture. This quick 30-minute meal turns basic items into a fancy-looking dinner that's great for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending ages cooking.
The first time I whipped this up, my whole house smelled amazing with garlic scents. It's now what I cook whenever I want folks to think I spent hours in the kitchen when I really didn't.
Key Components
- Potato gnocchi: Grab either shelf-stable or fresh ones, they both turn out great
- Chicken breasts: Slice them the same size so they cook evenly
- Fresh garlic: This is what makes the dish special, so be generous
- Heavy cream: Gives you that smooth, rich sauce everyone loves
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh for the best melting into your sauce
- Good quality olive oil: Makes your chicken turn nice and golden
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Slice your chicken into same-sized bits and get everything else ready before you start. Having stuff organized makes cooking way faster.
- Step 2:
- Make sure your pan is super hot before adding oil. Cook the chicken bits without crowding them. Don't keep pushing them around - let them get all golden and tasty.
- Step 3:
- Take out the chicken, then cook garlic in the same pan, keeping it moving. The warmth from the pan brings out the garlic flavor without burning it.
- Step 4:
- Throw the gnocchi straight into your sauce - they'll soak up all the yummy flavors while they cook. Stir them gently so they don't break apart.
- Step 5:
- Put the chicken back in once the gnocchi feels soft. Let everything bubble together for a bit so the flavors can mix properly.
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When I was little, my grandma from Italy always told me good gnocchi needs a gentle touch. This meal keeps that old wisdom but makes things easier for today's busy cooks.
Choose Your Skillet Wisely
A heavy pan spreads heat all over and stops your cream sauce from burning at the bottom.
Great Side Dishes
Add an arugula salad with some lemony dressing to cut through the richness of this meal.
Storing Extras
When you warm up leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to make the sauce smooth again.
Make It Your Own
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Try throwing in some sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach for extra color and taste.
This one-pan dinner has become my go-to for turning regular weeknights into something special. It shows that comfort food can be both fancy and super easy to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out heavy cream?
- Sure, you can use half-and-half or milk instead.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
- Definitely, just look for gluten-free gnocchi at your store.
- → Why keep the browned bits in the pan?
- They bring extra flavor to the dish—don’t skip it!
- → How do I know if gnocchi is cooked?
- When it’s soft and tender, usually after 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I start with cooked chicken?
- Yes, just toss it in at the end to heat it up.