Description
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fragrant garlic come together in this quick and comforting one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup (180ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Season Begin by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this ensures proper browning. Season the cubed chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince your garlic and measure out all remaining ingredients so they’re ready to go. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet comes together quickly, so having everything prepped makes the cooking process seamless.
- Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until chicken is just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 3: Crisp the Gnocchi In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the gnocchi in an even layer and cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to allow them to brown on one side. Toss and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they’re golden in spots. The gnocchi will finish cooking in the sauce, so it’s okay if they’re not completely tender yet.
- Step 4: Create the Garlic Base Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Step 5: Build the Sauce Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Step 6: Bring It All Together Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 calories per serving
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 730 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 95 milligrams