Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Delicious One-Pan Recipe

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Prepare to be amazed by this one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes! Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup; this dish is your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken and pillowy gnocchi bathed in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, all cooked together in a single skillet. Sounds divine, right?

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve been a beloved staple for centuries, enjoyed in countless variations across different regions. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet takes a modern twist on tradition, combining the comforting familiarity of gnocchi with the savory goodness of chicken and garlic.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slightly crispy chicken, the soft and chewy gnocchi, and the luscious, garlicky cream sauce create a symphony of sensations in every bite. Plus, the convenience of a one-pan meal is a major win for busy cooks. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Get ready to add this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet to your regular rotation!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Gnocchi and Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly seasoned. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy with those spices!
3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Making the Gnocchi Sauce:

1. Now, let’s build that delicious sauce! Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet you used for the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the dry white wine. This will deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and the cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The cream will make the sauce rich and velvety, while the Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy note. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Cooking the Gnocchi and Assembling the Dish:

1. Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the gnocchi in the sauce.
2. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become mushy.
3. Once the gnocchi are cooked, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and basil. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding a pop of color and nutrients. The basil will add a fresh, aromatic flavor.
5. Serve the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use different beans: If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can use great northern beans or even chickpeas.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes: A handful of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, would add a burst of intense flavor to the sauce.
• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken: To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet at the end.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
• Gnocchi options: While potato gnocchi is classic, you can also use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
• Wine substitution: If you don’t have white wine, you can use more chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
• Fresh herbs are key: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It really elevates the flavor of the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use about half the amount.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken in the skillet, then add the gnocchi and spinach as directed.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Troubleshooting:

• Sauce too thick: Add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
• Gnocchi sticking to the pan: Make sure the skillet is well-oiled and stir the gnocchi frequently.
• Chicken is dry: Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The creamy garlic sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and pillowy gnocchi create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s undeniably delicious – what more could you ask for? But beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe is a winner because it’s so incredibly versatile. Feel free to adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also swap out the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a different protein profile. If you’re looking to lighten things up, use light cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. The possibilities are truly endless! Serving Suggestions and Variations: * Serving Suggestion 1: Serve this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a perfect complement. * Serving Suggestion 2: For a more complete meal, stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt down beautifully and add a boost of nutrients. * Variation 1: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. * Variation 2: Top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for an extra layer of flavor. * Variation 3: If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. * Variation 4: For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just remember to increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. * Variation 5: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness. I’m confident that this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even a casual dinner party. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it comes together in under 30 minutes! So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your experience will not only help other readers but also inspire me to create even more delicious and easy recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking! I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it on social media using #GarlicChickenGnocchiSkillet – I can’t wait to see your creations!

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