GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SKILLET! – easymealstoprep

I vividly remember the first time I attempted gnocchi – it was a culinary adventure that ended with gummy, misshapen dumplings. But I didn’t give up! Now, I’m obsessed with finding easy and delicious ways to enjoy these little potato pillows, and that’s how I landed on this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30 Minutes, GF. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30 Minutes, GF you’ll ever make, a symphony of flavors and textures that comes together in a flash!

Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: A Weeknight Wonder

Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Do you crave something comforting, flavorful, and – most importantly – quick? Then look no further! This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the answer to your dinnertime prayers. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, a luscious garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly unforgettable meal. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Trust me, this will become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, where do I even begin? This recipe is packed with so much to love:

• It’s incredibly fast: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-pan cooking: Minimal cleanup is always a win!
• Gluten-free: Enjoy all the comfort food goodness without the gluten.
• Bursting with flavor: Garlic, Parmesan, and herbs create a symphony of deliciousness.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Gnocchi: Gluten-free gnocchi is a must for this recipe. Look for brands made with potato flour or a blend of gluten-free flours.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that signature garlicky flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and decadent sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (for a little kick!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps to create your own Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be intoxicating!
4. Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are where a lot of flavor is hiding!
5. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gluten-free gnocchi to the skillet. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface. The gnocchi should be slightly soft and pillowy, not hard or gummy.
6. Add the Chicken and Parmesan: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is thickened. The sauce should be creamy and coating the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.
7. Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Success Tips for the Perfect Gnocchi Skillet

Want to guarantee a perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet every time? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to the best flavor. Avoid using jarred garlic, which can lack the same punch.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become gummy. Cook them just until they float to the surface and are tender.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet for a little heat.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or peas.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the gnocchi skillet.
• Serve with crusty bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Serve with a glass of white wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair perfectly with this dish.

Making Ahead and Storing

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how to make this Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet ahead of time:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the gnocchi and combine everything in the skillet.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.

While you’re enjoying this quick and delicious skillet meal, you might also appreciate the ease of Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for another simple weeknight dinner solution. The flavors are similar, but the presentation is totally different!

Speaking of garlic and chicken, if you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you should definitely try Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. It’s another one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

If you’re looking for something a little different, but still packed with garlicky goodness, GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN ROTINI is a fantastic choice. The rotini pasta holds the sauce beautifully!

For a truly comforting meal, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi. While it’s not gluten-free, it’s a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special occasion.

If you want something to pop in your mouth, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta might be just what you need! Small bites are always more fun!

Finally, for an elegant and flavorful dish, try Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce. It’s perfect served with a side of pasta or vegetables.

Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for your Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet:

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (17.6 ounce) package gluten-free gnocchi
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Add gnocchi to the skillet. Cook according to package directions, or until tender and floating.
6. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, if desired.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a delicious and easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet that’s perfect for any night of the week! This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. So go ahead, give it a try, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create this culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!