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Featured image of a creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, ready to eat.

Easy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality Garlic Chicken Gnocchi in a single skillet, maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. It features perfectly seared chicken and gnocchi in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • spatula or wooden spoon
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add broth and gnocchi: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the gnocchi to the skillet.
  5. Simmer: Bring the broth to a simmer and cook the gnocchi according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender.
  6. Add cream, cheese, and chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
  7. Simmer to thicken: Continue to simmer for a few minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Garnish and serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will ensure even browning. You can add a splash of pasta water to the sauce to help emulsify it and create a velvety smooth texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.