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Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet combines fluffy potato dumplings with juicy chicken chunks in a thick, garlicky sauce. This quick 30-minute meal turns basic ingredients into an impressive dinner that feels fancy but doesn't need tons of work—perfect when you want something tasty after a busy day.
The very first time I whipped this up, my whole kitchen smelled amazing with garlic goodness. It's now what I cook whenever I need to wow someone without spending forever cooking.
Key Ingredients
- Potato gnocchi: Store-bought or refrigerated both turn out great
- Chicken breasts: Slice them the same size so they cook evenly
- Fresh garlic: This is what makes the dish shine, so be generous
- Heavy cream: Gives you that smooth, rich sauce texture
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt
- Good quality olive oil: Helps your chicken get that nice golden color
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Chop your chicken into same-sized chunks and set up all your stuff before you start. Having everything ready makes cooking go way smoother.
- Step 2:
- Get your pan really hot first, then add the oil. Cook the chicken pieces without crowding them. Don't stir too much—let them get that nice golden crust.
- Step 3:
- Take out the chicken and toss in the garlic, keeping it moving. The pan's leftover heat will bring 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 carefully so they don't break apart.
- Step 5:
- Put the chicken back in once the gnocchi feels soft. Let everything bubble together a bit so the flavors can mix well.
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My grandma from Italy always told me to be gentle with gnocchi. This dish follows her advice but makes it way easier for busy cooks.
Choose Your Skillet Wisely
A thick-bottomed pan spreads heat all around and stops your creamy sauce from burning.
Great Side Dishes
Add a simple arugula salad with lemony dressing to cut through the richness of the dish.
Storing Extras
When warming up leftovers, add a splash of cream or stock to bring back the smooth sauce texture.
Make It Your Own
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Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or handfuls of baby spinach for extra pop and flavor.
This one-pan dinner has become my go-to for making regular nights feel special. It shows you can make food that's both cozy and fancy without breaking a sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is there a lighter cream substitute?
- You can swap out heavy cream for milk or half-and-half instead.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, grab gluten-free gnocchi—it’s usually in stores.
- → What’s the reason for scraping the pan?
- All those browned bits from cooking boost the sauce's flavor!
- → How can I tell when gnocchi is ready?
- It’s good to go once it's soft, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- → Can I toss in already-cooked chicken?
- Sure, just add it in last and heat until warm.