If you’re looking for a meal that comes together in a snap and bursts with flavor, let me introduce you to my garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! This dish is one of those magical recipes that’s both super simple and oh-so-delicious, making it a go-to for my busy weeknights. Seriously, I can whip this up in just about 30 minutes, and it’s always a hit with the family. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, all brought together with a garlicky goodness is just irresistible! I remember the first time I made it; my kids were diving in for seconds before I even sat down. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package gnocchi (16 oz)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is not just quick—it’s a breeze to make, and you’ll be amazed at the flavors that come together in one pan. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the chicken hits the pan, so don’t rush this step!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in your diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides. You want that beautiful color, so don’t skip this part!
- Now, here comes the magic: stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. Oh, the aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is heavenly!
- Next, toss in the package of gnocchi (16 oz) along with 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where the gnocchi starts to soak up all those delicious flavors. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Time to add in those vibrant veggies! Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take another 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir so the cheese melts and coats the gnocchi beautifully. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup, which is always a win.
- Deliciously garlicky flavor that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Packed with healthy ingredients like spinach and lean chicken.
- Comforting, pillowy gnocchi makes every bite feel special.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Tips for Success
To make your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet even more fabulous, I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve! First, always opt for fresh ingredients; bright, crisp spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes can elevate the whole dish. If you want to kick up the flavor a notch, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. And don’t hesitate to get creative with your veggies—zucchini or bell peppers would be fantastic additions! Lastly, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; it helps achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional values for each serving of this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet. You’ll be looking at approximately 450 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying meal. It also contains about 50 grams of carbohydrates, along with 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness you’re enjoying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, but I think the skillet method keeps the gnocchi nice and tender! Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you have frozen gnocchi on hand, just toss them straight into the skillet with the chicken broth. You might need to extend the simmering time by a couple of minutes to ensure they heat through, but they’ll turn out just as delicious!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can definitely swap out the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu might need a bit more time to get that lovely golden color!
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This dish is super versatile. Feel free to throw in some zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just chop them up and add them in when you’re cooking the chicken, so they have time to soften and mingle with those delicious garlic flavors!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one handy, just cut into a piece of chicken; it should be white all the way through with no pink juices. Trust me, you want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly for safety and flavor!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious chicken recipes, visit this link for a creamy garlic butter chicken dish.
For a delightful dessert to complement your meal, consider trying this strawberry cheesecake recipe.
Print
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30-Minute Flavor Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious garlic chicken gnocchi skillet recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 package gnocchi (16 oz)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and 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; bring to a simmer.
- Add spinach and cherry tomatoes; cook until spinach wilts.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet, chicken gnocchi, skillet meals
