Savory Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Featured in: Main Dishes

Everything cooks in one pan - chicken, potato dumplings, and loads of garlic in a smooth cheese sauce. Done in 30 minutes for a fancy-looking but super simple dinner.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:53:07 GMT
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | twistytaste.com

Buttery Potato Gnocchi Chicken Pan brings soft potato dumplings together with juicy chicken chunks in a creamy, garlicky sauce. This quick 30-minute dinner turns basic ingredients into a fancy-looking meal that's perfect for busy nights when you want something that tastes amazing without much work.

The very first time I whipped this up, my whole house smelled like amazing garlic. It's now what I cook whenever I want people to think I spent ages making dinner.

Key Components

  • Shelf-stable gnocchi: Works just as well as refrigerated ones
  • Boneless chicken: Slice them the same size so they cook evenly
  • Real garlic cloves: This is what makes everything taste amazing
  • Whipping cream: Makes that smooth, rich sauce
  • Grated Parmesan: Always use freshly grated for better melting
  • Premium olive oil: Gets your chicken nice and golden

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Slice your chicken into same-sized chunks and set everything out before you start. Having stuff ready makes this quick meal even faster.
Step 2:
Get your pan super hot before adding any oil. Cook the chicken without crowding the pan and let it sit still to get that nice brown color.
Step 3:
Take the chicken out and toss garlic into the same skillet, keeping it moving. The pan's warmth will bring out garlic flavors without burning them.
Step 4:
Toss gnocchi straight into your sauce where they'll soak up all the yummy flavors while cooking. Stir them carefully so they don't break.
Step 5:
Pop the chicken back in once gnocchi feels soft. Let everything bubble together a bit so the flavors can mix well.
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Pin it
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | twistytaste.com

My nonna always told me the trick to amazing gnocchi was touching them as little as possible. This recipe keeps her old wisdom but makes it super easy for busy folks.

Choose Your Skillet Wisely

Go for a thick-bottomed pan that spreads heat all around and stops your cream sauce from burning.

What To Serve With It

Add a simple arugula salad with lemony dressing to cut through the richness of this dish.

What To Do With Extras

When you warm it up tomorrow, add a splash of cream or stock to make the sauce smooth again.

Ways To Switch It Up

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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet | twistytaste.com

Mix in some dried tomatoes or baby spinach leaves to add color and extra flavor.

This one-pan dinner has become my go-to for turning regular weeknights into something special. It shows how comfort food can be both super tasty and really easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this with a lighter dairy option?
Sure thing, swap in half-and-half or regular milk instead of heavy cream.
→ Do you have options for gluten issues?
Absolutely, just grab some gluten-free gnocchi from your local store.
→ What's the point of scraping the pan bottom?
Those stuck-on brown bits pack tons of flavor into your sauce.
→ How can I tell when the gnocchi is fully cooked?
They'll turn nice and soft after about 3-4 minutes in the pan.
→ Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely, just toss it in at the end to heat it through.

Garlic Chicken Skillet with Gnocchi

Juicy chicken chunks with soft potato dumplings swimming in a velvety garlic and cheese sauce. A fast, filling one-pan creation.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main ingredients

01 Bite-sized chunks of boneless skinless chicken, weighing 1 pound
02 1 pound package of potato gnocchi
03 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
04 1 cup of heavy cream
05 1 cup of chicken stock
06 Half cup of shredded Parmesan
07 2 tablespoons of olive oil

→ Seasonings and garnish

08 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian seasonings
09 Salt and cracked black pepper, add to your liking
10 Some fresh basil to top it off

Instructions

Step 01

Pour olive oil into a big pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings, then fry until they turn golden and fully cooked, roughly 6-8 minutes. Take them out and put aside.

Step 02

Using the same pan, throw in the chopped garlic and stir for about half a minute until you can smell it, making sure it doesn't get burnt.

Step 03

Add the chicken stock and use your spoon to scrape those tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. Toss in the gnocchi and let it bubble for 3-4 minutes, giving it a stir now and then until it starts to soften.

Step 04

Turn down the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently bubble for 2-3 minutes until it starts getting thicker.

Step 05

Put the chicken back in the pan and throw in the Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the chicken warms up. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or regular milk for fewer calories
  2. Look for gluten-free gnocchi at specialty stores if you need that option
  3. Those little crispy chicken bits left in the pan make the sauce taste way better

Tools You'll Need

  • Big frying pan
  • Stirring spoon made of wood
  • Cups and spoons for measuring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy products (heavy cream and Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains wheat gluten (in the gnocchi)