One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

There’s something magical about a creamy sauce enveloping tender gnocchi and succulent chicken. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, not just for its incredible flavor but also for the simplicity of making it all in one pan. Let me share my secrets to this absolute masterpiece: One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi.

Why you’ll love this recipe

What makes this dish utterly irresistible? It’s the seamless harmony of the creamy, garlicky goodness blended with perfectly cooked gnocchi that just melts in your mouth. Picture this: after a long day, you get to unwind with a luxurious meal that didn’t take hours to prepare. Plus, everything is packed into one pan, so clean-up is a breeze. You’re not just feeding your stomach; you’re treating your soul. This dish is comfort food at its finest, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

And let’s not forget the versatility! Whether you’re impressing friends for dinner, whipping up a cozy meal for the family, or enjoying a quiet night in with a book, this dish is sure to please. It’s approachable enough for beginners but elegant enough for any occasion. Who wouldn’t want to dive into a bowl of creamy goodness? I know I would!

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s gather some essentials for this flavorful journey:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: The star of the show! Chicken breast keeps things lean yet satisfying. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.

• 1 package gnocchi: You can find these delightful little pillows in the pasta section, and they cook quickly, soaking up every bit of sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own from scratch—don’t worry; I won’t tell anyone if you opt for the store-bought kind!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of this liquid gold gets everything started right. Its fruity essence complements the garlic beautifully. Can’t find olive oil? Don’t stress; any neutral oil will work.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the hero, adding depth that elevates every single bite. Fresh is key here, but in a pinch, you can certainly use pre-minced.

• 1 cup heavy cream: Cream is the secret to that dreamy sauce. If you need a lighter option, half-and-half can stand in, but it won’t be quite as rich.

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: A good quality parmesan is non-negotiable; it adds that umami kick that ties everything together. If you have it, pecorino can make a delightful swap!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors of your dish. Always use taste-testing as your guide!

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only brightens up the plate but adds a touch of freshness to the rich flavors.

Preparing One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this dish step-by-step:

1. Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken but not so hot that it smokes.

2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. You want a nice sear for flavor!

3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic can ruin all your hard work.

4. Introduce the gnocchi and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer; the gnocchi will soak up that rich creaminess. Cook until the gnocchi are tender, which should take around 3-5 minutes.

5. Fold in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into that luscious sauce. Here’s where the magic happens—everything becomes creamy and dreamy.

6. Remove from the heat. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

Best way to enjoy it

Wondering how to elevate this dish even further? Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of white wine, like a chilled Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy notes beautifully. If you’re looking for sides, roasted asparagus or garlic bread would round out the meal perfectly!

Keeping leftovers fresh

First off, can we talk about how delightful leftovers are? You can store any extras in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream or milk if it’s looking too thick.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat similarly, and you have a quick easy meal at your fingertips!

Pro chef tips

• Consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright zest that cuts through the creaminess—trust me on this one.
• Feel free to throw in some veggies! Spinach or sundried tomatoes can add color and nutrition. Just toss them in after the garlic for a quick sauté.
• If you’re dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese for a delicious, creamy alternative.

Different ways to try

Want to customize the flavors? The sky’s the limit! Here are some fun variations:

• Mushroom Madness: Sauté some mushrooms before adding the chicken for an earthy twist.
• Italian Herbs: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil for an herbaceous kick.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, toss in some red pepper flakes at the garlic stage!

Ingredients list

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 package gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions to follow

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the gnocchi and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer; cook until the gnocchi are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Remove from heat, and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm!

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare? About 30 minutes from start to finish!
2. Can I use frozen gnocchi? Absolutely! Just follow the instructions on the package for cooking times.
3. What can I pair this dish with? A simple salad or some crusty bread works great!
4. Is this dish gluten-free? If you choose gluten-free gnocchi, then yes!
5. What if I don’t have parmesan? Try other hard cheeses like pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan version!

When it comes down to it, this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Rich, comforting, and downright delicious—what’s not to love? I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Remember to get creative and put your own spin on it! Share your experience below—let’s make this cooking community thrive together!

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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy Non Vegetarian W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi is a delightful combination of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious creamy garlic sauce, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced (Can substitute with thigh for more flavor)
• 1 package gnocchi (Store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Any neutral oil can be used)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (Use good quality parmesan)
• to taste salt and pepper (For seasoning)
• as needed fresh parsley, for garnish (Optional)

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the Oil

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle but not smoking.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Chicken

   Add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until it's golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
   Aim for a nice sear for flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Gnocchi and Cream

   Introduce the gnocchi and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook until the gnocchi are tender, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
   The gnocchi will soak up the cream sauce.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Parmesan Cheese

   Fold in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce.
   This is where the creamy texture comes to life.
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish and Serve

   Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve it warm.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 40g62%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 350 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 10 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken, gnocchi, creamy sauce, garlic, one-pan meals