Name: Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 30 reviews

Get ready to bring a little magic to your dinner table with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! This dish wraps tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a garlicky, creamy sauce into a hearty, one-pan meal that feels both cozy and special. And the best part? From stovetop to table, you’re only 30 minutes away from this flavor-packed comfort food adventure. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! will become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most wonderful things about this skillet is how uncomplicated the ingredient list is. Each item is a flavor powerhouse, working together to give you that creamy comfort with pops of herby freshness and savory depth.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and quick-cooking, but you can use thighs for extra juiciness.
Potato gnocchi: These fluffy dumplings soak up sauce like a dream and deliver incredible texture in every bite.
Garlic: Six cloves may sound bold, but it’s the heartbeat of this dish—don’t skimp!
Heavy cream: This creates the silky base that brings everything together in luscious harmony.
Chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds savory backbone to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth for an irresistible cheesy finish.
Olive oil: The perfect fat for searing the chicken while adding a hint of fruitiness.
Dried Italian herbs: These lend an aromatic layer that keeps every bite interesting.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t underestimate this classic duo for seasoning everything just right.
Fresh basil leaves: A burst of green and an herby aroma that makes each serving pop.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. When done, transfer to a plate and set aside. This step creates delicious browned bits on the bottom—which, trust me, you want for building flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Using the same skillet (no need to clean—those leftover bits are flavor gold!), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye and nose—once fragrant, move on quickly so it doesn’t burn. This is where the garlicky punch in Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! really comes to life.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up every bit of flavor stuck to the pan. Bring this to a simmer; the broth will lift all those tasty golden morsels from the surface, enriching your sauce from the very start.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the potato gnocchi straight into the bubbling broth. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice them get plumper and lighter as they soak up all that goodness. The gnocchi don’t need long, and as they cook, the sauce begins to thicken—a one-pan wonder in progress!

Step 5: Creamy Dreamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently so it mingles with everything in the pan. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to turn gloriously creamy. This is the moment Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! gets its signature luxurious texture.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Parmesan

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently—the Parmesan will melt right into the sauce and the chicken will warm through. Give the dish a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. That’s it—dinner is ready!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder!

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle your skillet generously with torn fresh basil leaves for a fresh, fragrant finish. Want extra color? Add a few grinds of black pepper or a little more shaved Parmesan right before serving. It’s the extra attention that makes Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a pile of roasted vegetables makes a vibrant supporting act. And if you dare, serve with warm, crusty (gluten-free if needed) bread to soak up every last drop of sauce—comfort food goals achieved!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! in individual mini-skillets or oven-safe bowls. If you’re hosting, garnish each portion with a little basil sprig. Or, for a cozy family meal, simply place the big skillet in the center of the table—let everyone dig in for maximum “yum” factor and easy cleanup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! keep beautifully. Let the dish cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier as they sit, so it’s an excellent choice for lunch the next day!

Freezing

Planning to freeze? Spoon the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, separating into individual portions if you like. The sauce may thicken upon thawing, but a quick splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it right back to silky perfection. For best texture, enjoy your frozen Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! within 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. As with most creamy dishes, slow and steady wins the race for reheating!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Simply shred or chop your cooked chicken, then add it back into the skillet along with the Parmesan in Step 6. It’s a great time-saver and perfect for leftover chicken.

Is there a way to make this dairy free?

You can substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with your favorite non-dairy cream alternative (like coconut cream or a thick oat milk) and a dairy-free parmesan cheese. The results are still creamy and flavorful, though the taste will be a bit different.

What brand of gnocchi works best?

Most shelf-stable potato gnocchi brands work well in Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! If you’re gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free gnocchi—just make sure to follow the cooking instructions as some brands cook faster than others.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in a few cups of baby spinach or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes right before adding the cream. Peas, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers also make tasty additions.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Always cook garlic over gentle heat and keep it moving in the pan. Since you add it after searing the chicken (with the skillet still hot), sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is enough—before moving on to the next step.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and full of “wow” flavor, Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A 30-Minute Wonder! truly delivers. With simple ingredients, creamy comfort, and a garlicky aroma that brings everyone to the table, this one-pan wonder is bound to become your new favorite—give it a try and let it win a spot in your regular rotation!