Oh my goodness, friends! Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience because I am SO excited to share this Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet recipe with you! Imagine tender, fluffy gnocchi swimming in a dreamy garlic cream sauce, combined with juicy chunks of chicken and a pop of green from spinach or kale. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again! Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe
This dish is a total flavor bomb! Not only is it UNBELIEVABLY creamy, but it’s also super easy to whip up in just one skillet! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your friends at a cozy dinner party. The combination of garlic and rich cream creates a sauce that hugs every ingredient perfectly! Plus, the soft gnocchi just melts in your mouth—seriously, what’s not to adore?
How to make Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Are you ready to get cooking?! Grab your apron and let’s create some culinary magic together! This is going to be a blast!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the skillet!
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, around 3-4 minutes.
Carefully add the gnocchi to the skillet, stirring until it’s well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Toss in the spinach or kale (if using) and let it wilt into the sauce for an extra touch of color and nutrition!
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and stir everything together until it’s heated through.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Oh, darling, the beauty of this dish is that you don’t need much on the side! But if you want to jazz it up a bit, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect to balance the creaminess. You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread for all those sopping-up-the-sauce vibes!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
You can definitely make this dish ahead of time! Just prepare it and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash more broth or cream if it thickens too much!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; they only need a couple of minutes to become tender!
- Adjust the garlic to your liking—more garlic means more flavor!
- Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it’s the magic that thickens the sauce and adds that rich, cheesy goodness!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize! You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or even use mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Want to amp up the veggies? Add in any seasonal veggies you love, like bell peppers or zucchini, for some extra crunch and nutrition!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
No problem! Just substitute the heavy cream with almond milk or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
3. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth, or even just water will work as a lighter option. Make sure to increase the seasoning a bit to keep the flavor vibrant!
Voilà! You’re ready to impress with your Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet! I can’t wait for you to try it! You’re going to be the star of the kitchen! Enjoy, lovelies! 🌟