Who doesn’t love a quick, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor?
Our Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is about to become your new favorite dinner!
Did you know that gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have been enjoyed in Italy since the 16th century? Now, we’re giving this classic a modern, garlicky twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Get ready to whip up a restaurant quality dish in just 30 minutes – let’s dive in!
Customizing Your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Veggie boost: Add some baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
- Cheese please: Try swapping the Parmesan for Gorgonzola or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: If you like it hot, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Skillet Meal
- Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution. A cast-iron skillet works wonders here!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If necessary, cook it in batches to ensure each piece gets nicely browned.
- Keep an eye on the sauce consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Too thin? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Now that you’ve created this masterpiece, it’s time to serve it up in style! Here are some ideas to make your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet look as good as it tastes:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
- For a restaurant-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet at the table – it’s sure to impress your guests!
Nutritional Information and Benefits
While this dish is certainly indulgent, it also packs some nutritional punch:
- Protein: Thanks to the chicken and gnocchi, this meal is high in protein, helping you feel satisfied and fueling your muscles.
- Carbohydrates: The gnocchi provides energy-rich carbs to keep you going.
- Calcium: The Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can lighten up the dish by using milk instead of cream and increasing the proportion of vegetables to gnocchi.
There you have it – a scrumptious garlic chicken gnocchi skillet that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!
This one-pan wonder proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to please.
So grab your skillet, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every last bite of this garlicky goodness. Bon appétit!
Recipe FAQ’s
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy and rich.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring often. The texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon reheating.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 6 cloves garlic minced (because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!)
- 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
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – we want that gorgeous garlic flavor, not bitterness!
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These little flavor bombs will make your sauce even more delicious!
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi starts to become tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!