ULTIMATE GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI RECIPE

Picture a plate of steaming, golden-brown gnocchi nestled among tender, juicy chicken pieces, glistening with a rich, aromatic garlic sauce that promises pure comfort and indulgence. This Garlic Chicken Gnocchi isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a symphony of flavors that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Trust me, by the end of this recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Gnocchi and Chicken

• 1 pound store-bought or homemade gnocchi
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 additional garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
4. Remove chicken and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces

Creating the Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium
2. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly
4. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs, whisking until smooth

Bringing It All Together

1. Add gnocchi directly to the sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes
2. Gently fold in sliced chicken
3. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to marry flavors
4. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired

Pro Tips for Perfect Gnocchi

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Try substituting chicken with shrimp or adding spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. For a quick weeknight meal, this dish also freezes wonderfully!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just ensure you don’t thaw them first – cook directly from frozen for best texture. Similar to our Crack Chicken Gnocchi, frozen gnocchi work perfectly in this recipe.