If you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and ridiculously simple to make, then let me introduce you to my garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! This dish is a complete game-changer—it’s bursting with flavor and can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. Seriously, you won’t believe how easy it is to create such a delicious dinner that feels like a special treat.
What I love most about this recipe is how everything cooks in one pan. That’s right! No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans. You get tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies all mingling together in a delightful garlic-infused sauce. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while this is cooking is simply irresistible!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. I had some friends over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the moment they took their first bite—their eyes lit up, and I knew I had struck culinary gold! Now, this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet has become a staple in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings.
So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into this deliciousness together. You’re going to love how effortless it is to create this hearty, comforting meal!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, let’s get that skillet ready! Grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and pour in the olive oil. Set your burner to medium heat and let the oil warm up. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers just a bit—this means it’s primed for cooking. Don’t rush this step; a good sear is key to flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—our diced chicken! Carefully toss it into the hot skillet and spread it out evenly. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The goal here is to lock in those juices, so watch it closely but don’t hover. We want that lovely golden color!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once your chicken is looking fabulous, it’s garlic time! Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 1 minute. This step is crucial because cooking the garlic just right will release its amazing aroma and flavor. Just a heads-up—don’t let it burn! If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat a tad.
Step 4: Integrate Gnocchi and Broth
Next up, let’s get those gnocchi in the mix! Add the gnocchi to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, raise the heat just a bit and bring it all to a gentle simmer. You want to let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, just until the gnocchi are tender and fluffy. This is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Now, let’s add some color and nutrition! Toss in the spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring them into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes soften a bit. The contrast of the vibrant veggies against the gnocchi is not just beautiful—it’s delicious, too!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—this is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, it’s showtime! Serve this beauty hot right from the skillet for a casual yet impressive meal. Don’t forget to grab a spoon and dig in—you’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff—nutrition! This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is not only delicious but also packed with protein and other nutrients. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. However, it’s a wholesome meal that will definitely satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. Enjoy knowing you’re giving your body some good fuel while indulging in all that flavor!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! Here are some of my best tips to elevate your dish and ensure success every time you make it:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, vibrant spinach, and ripe cherry tomatoes make all the difference in flavor. If you can, choose high-quality chicken, too. It really shines through in this simple dish!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, give it some space in the skillet. If you toss too much in at once, it can steam instead of sear. You want that nice golden crust, remember?
- Adjust the Garlic: Love garlic? Feel free to add an extra clove or two! Just keep an eye on it while cooking so it doesn’t become bitter.
- Experiment with Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor, but you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. If you want a richer flavor, try low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Gnocchi Tips: If you’re using fresh gnocchi, you might need a bit less cooking time than with dried. Keep an eye on them, and once they float to the top, they’re ready!
- Season Gradually: When seasoning with salt and pepper, start with a little and taste as you go. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly salty dish!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture!
Following these tips will really help you create a dish that’s not just good but absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait for you to try it—trust me, you’re going to impress everyone at your dinner table!
Variations of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
One of the best things about this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up what you have in your fridge. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Vegetable Medley: Swap out the spinach and cherry tomatoes for other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the gnocchi.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for a fragrant twist. Toss them in just before serving to keep their flavor vibrant and fresh.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic. It’ll give your dish a delightful kick that’s oh-so-tasty!
- Cheesy Goodness: For a creamy touch, stir in some cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream once the gnocchi is cooked. Top it off with grated Parmesan or mozzarella for extra richness.
- Protein Variety: Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will cook much faster than chicken!
- Pesto Twist: Mix in a couple of spoonfuls of your favorite pesto after adding the spinach and tomatoes for an aromatic flavor boost. It’s a quick way to elevate the dish!
These variations not only keep things interesting but also allow you to use what you have on hand. Get creative and make this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet your own masterpiece! I promise your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: All the magic happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
- Flavorful and Satisfying: With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies all infused with garlic, every bite is absolutely delicious.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the spinach and tomatoes, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the veggies or proteins to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or dinner parties.
- Comfort Food: It has that cozy, hearty vibe that warms you up and makes you feel right at home.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful garlic chicken gnocchi skillet and now you have some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing and reheating this dish is super simple, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it just as delicious for your next meal.
First, let’s talk storage. Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge. You can safely store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it if you’re like me and tend to forget what’s in there!
Now, when it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Simply place the skillet back on medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. This will help bring back that creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally and heat until it’s warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is an option too! Just pop your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (to avoid splatters!), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot. Easy peasy!
And there you have it—simple storage and reheating instructions to keep enjoying your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on those leftovers. They’re just as yummy the next day!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about gnocchi, you can visit this Spruce Eats guide.
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Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 5 Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious garlic chicken gnocchi skillet dish that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add gnocchi and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until gnocchi is tender.
- Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, stirring until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Parmesan cheese on top.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet
