Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – A Flavor Explosion!

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There’s something special about a dish that brings comfort and bold flavors to the table in just one skillet. If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, garlicky goodness, and pillowy-soft gnocchi, then you’re in for a treat. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make yet tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian restaurant.

Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even date nights, this meal is simple to prepare and packed with creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. The best part? You only need one pan, which means minimal cleanup!

Ingredients: What You Need for This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s go over everything you need to make this dish. The key to success is using fresh ingredients that enhance the flavors of the creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and soft gnocchi.

Main Ingredients

IngredientMeasurementPurpose
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 lb, cut into bite-sized piecesAdds protein and heartiness.
Potato gnocchi1 lbSoft, pillowy texture that soaks up the creamy sauce.

Sauce & Flavor Enhancers

IngredientMeasurementPurpose
Garlic6 cloves, mincedInfuses deep, aromatic flavor.
Heavy cream1 cupCreates a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
Chicken broth1 cupEnhances the depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
Parmesan cheese½ cup, gratedAdds a nutty, savory taste and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil2 tbspUsed to sauté the chicken and garlic.
Dried Italian herbs1 tspA perfect blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt & black pepperTo tasteBalances and enhances the flavors.
Fresh basil leavesFor garnishAdds a touch of color and freshness.

How to Make This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet (Step-by-Step Guide)

This recipe is simple, requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish. With just a few basic steps, you’ll create a dish bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and creamy goodness.


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Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

  • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
  • Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden, not brown.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (that’s where the flavor is!).
  • Stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi & Simmer

  • Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
  • Let the gnocchi simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and tender.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Making this dish is easy, but these tips will take it to the next level:

✔️ Use Fresh Garlic – The more, the better! Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor much more than garlic powder.

✔️ Choose the Right Gnocchi – Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi cooks quickly and absorbs more flavor compared to dried gnocchi.

✔️ Make It Thicker – If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer longer or add extra Parmesan cheese for more thickness.

✔️ Boost the Flavor – Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for a deeper, more complex taste.

Variations & Customizations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun ways to customize it:

🌶️ Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.

🥦 Vegetable Boost – Throw in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.

🥛 Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

🥑 Low-Carb Swap – Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter sides creates a well-balanced meal. Here are some delicious options:

🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

🥗 Side Salad – A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon dressing balances the richness.

🍷 Wine Pairing – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish tastes just as good the next day—if you have leftovers!

🛑 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🛑 Freeze: If freezing, store the sauce separately and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

🛑 Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
✔️ Yes! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
✔️ Let it simmer longer or add extra Parmesan cheese.

How do I make this ahead of time?
✔️ You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.

Can I add different proteins?
✔️ Absolutely! Try using shrimp, salmon, or tofu as alternatives.

What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?
✔️ Always go for freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and has a richer flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Is a Must-Try

This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite. With minimal prep and only one pan required, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Now it’s your turn to give it a try! What’s your favorite way to customize this dish? Drop a comment below and let us know! ❤️

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Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – A Flavor Explosion!


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  • Author: Melany
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that comes together in just one pan! Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce make this a must-try meal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.


Ingredients

For the Chicken & Gnocchi:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce & Flavor Enhancers:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:


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  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Garlic:

  • In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:

  • Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Stir in heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, stirring until the sauce thickens.

4️⃣ Add the Gnocchi & Simmer:

  • Add gnocchi directly into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged.
  • Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi becomes soft.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve:

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot!

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese.
  • To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
  • Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for mushrooms or spinach.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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