Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder
Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring — this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Minute Wonder is proof. Creamy, garlicky sauce hugs pillowy gnocchi while seared chicken adds satisfying bite, all finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for brightness. If you enjoy rich, speedy one-pan meals, you might also like this creamy garlic chicken gnocchi skillet recipe that explores a similar flavor profile.
Why make this recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- One skillet, minimal cleanup — a true convenience win.
- Comforting, restaurant-style flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder
Prepare Chicken and Garlic
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This removes surface moisture so the chicken browns instead of steams. Cut into bite-sized cubes or small strips so they cook quickly and evenly. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Mince all 6 cloves of garlic finely; the even pieces will release more aroma and flavor into the sauce. Grate your Parmesan cheese and set aside so it’s ready to finish the sauce.
Sear Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 10–12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before the chicken goes in; you should hear an immediate sizzle. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer — crowding will cause steaming instead of browning, so work in batches if necessary.
- Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature about 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside; it will finish warming back in the sauce later. Searing early locks in flavor and texture.
Build Flavor Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté while stirring constantly for roughly 1 minute. Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter quickly, so watch it closely.
- Immediately stir in 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning and sauté an additional 20–30 seconds to bloom the herbs and release their oils. The skillet should now smell richly garlicky and herb-forward.
Deglaze with Broth
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and increase heat back to medium-high to bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the skillet — those bits are flavor gold and will enrich the pan sauce.
- Let the broth simmer for 2–3 minutes so it reduces slightly and concentrates the flavor. This reduction helps the final sauce thicken and intensify without needing additional thickeners.
Cook Gnocchi & Add Cream
- Add 1 lb potato gnocchi directly into the simmering broth. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir gently to combine so the gnocchi become evenly coated. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and let the skillet cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi will cook up tender and the cream will reduce to a luxurious sauce. Keep an eye on texture: the gnocchi should be soft but still pillowy, not mushy.
Combine & Finish
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and fold them gently into the sauce so they are warmed through and fully coated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated; this will thicken and slightly glossy-ize the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen with a splash of extra broth or a tablespoon of cream.
Serve & Garnish
- Let the skillet rest for 2–3 minutes off the heat to allow the sauce to settle. Spoon the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet into bowls or plates. Finish with a generous handful of torn or thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and offer extra grated Parmesan at the table.
- Optional finishing touches: a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Notes on timing and technique
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken shredded instead of raw chicken — add in the last few minutes to warm through.
- For best texture, sear the chicken in a hot pan without crowding. If you skip searing, the chicken will be paler and less flavorful.
- Gnocchi cook quickly; check after 4–5 minutes so they remain pillowy. Overcooking potato gnocchi makes them gummy.
Best Way to Store Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Freezer: Freeze in a labeled, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce; microwave in short bursts and stir to avoid overheating.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder
- Light green salad: A crisp salad of arugula, shaved fennel, or mixed baby greens with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a fresh contrast.
- Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are excellent alongside; their caramelized edges offer a nice textural contrast.
- Bread: Serve with warm rustic bread or garlic toast to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
- Wine pairing: A chilled Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay balances the cream; for red fans, a light-bodied Pinot Noir won’t overpower the dish.
Tips to make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet A Minute Wonder
- Use room-temperature chicken: letting chicken come closer to room temperature (15–20 minutes out of fridge) helps it sear evenly and reduces cooking time.
- Don’t skip scraping the pan: deglazing is where much of the flavor comes from — be thorough when scraping up the browned bits.
- Finish off heat when adding cheese: stir Parmesan in off the heat to prevent grainy texture from overcooking dairy.
Variation ideas
- Protein swap: Swap the chicken for Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled) for a heartier, spicier version. If using pork or turkey sausage, brown it first and proceed the same way.
- Lightened-up version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and increase the chicken broth slightly; stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry if you need extra thickening. For a gluten-free option, confirm your gnocchi are GF or use cauliflower gnocchi.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes — frozen gnocchi can go straight into the simmering broth; you may need an extra minute or two of cooking time. Do not thaw first, or they may become waterlogged.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from splitting when I add cheese?
A: Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in Parmesan; adding cheese to a very hot pan or boiling sauce can cause fat separation. Stir gently until smooth.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Replace heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Flavor will shift slightly, but the dish remains creamy and satisfying.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes, it stores well for 3–4 days refrigerated. Reheat on low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to a saucy consistency.
Q: How to add more vegetables?
A: Stir in quick-cooking veggies (spinach, cherry tomatoes, peas) during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking so they wilt or heat through without losing texture.
Additional technique notes and troubleshooting
- If sauce is too thin: simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water and simmer until thickened.
- If sauce is too thick: stir in small amounts of warm chicken broth until you reach desired consistency.
- If garlic flavor is too strong: balance with acid — a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar can brighten and tame raw sharpness.
Extra ideas for presentation and entertaining
- Make it family-style: Serve straight from the skillet on the table for a cozy, communal meal — garnish right before serving to keep basil bright.
- Individual portions: Spoon into shallow bowls and top each portion with a basil leaf and a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.
- Kid-friendly tweak: Keep it simple — omit strong herbs and serve with hidden veggies finely chopped into the sauce.
Quick-shopping checklist
- Fresh garlic and basil — small ingredients that deliver a lot of flavor.
- Good Parmesan — freshly grated for proper melting and texture.
- Ready-to-cook potato gnocchi — look for fresh or refrigerated if you prefer texture closer to homemade.
Dietary notes
- This recipe is naturally high in protein and can be adapted for lower-fat diets by adjusting cream and oil.
- Check packaged gnocchi for egg or gluten if following special diets; specialized gnocchi options are available for gluten-free or vegan preferences.
Kitchen tools you’ll find helpful
- 10–12 inch heavy skillet (nonstick or cast iron) for even heat distribution.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for turning chicken pieces.
- Microplane or box grater for fresh Parmesan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula for deglazing and stirring.
Serving timeline for a relaxed dinner
- Prep (chop, measure) — 10 minutes
- Sear chicken (including batches) — 8–10 minutes
- Sauce, gnocchi, and finish — 10–12 minutes
- Total active time: about 30 minutes
Conclusion
For a quick, comforting weeknight meal with minimal fuss, this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet hits all the marks; you’ll get golden-seared chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a richly flavored garlic cream sauce in about half an hour. For an alternative take and a visual walkthrough, check out this helpful guide on Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30-Minute Wonder! (+Video), and for another variation that highlights gluten-free and hearty options, see Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30 Minutes, GF – Healthy Hearty. Enjoy — and don’t forget the extra basil and Parmesan at the table!
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Minute Wonder
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and creamy one-pan meal featuring garlic chicken and pillowy gnocchi. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Mince the garlic and set aside the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, adding the Italian seasoning and sautéing for another 20-30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the gnocchi and heavy cream; simmer on medium-low for 5–7 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes, serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Ensure to scrape the pan for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, gnocchi, one-pan meals, quick dinner, creamy sauce
