Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! This dish is a total game-changer for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a savory, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. The tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and aromatic garlic come together in a way that makes my taste buds dance! Plus, it all cooks in one skillet, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the deliciousness. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced: Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 cups gnocchi: You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi—both work beautifully!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic; it adds that fantastic aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and depth to the dish. Low-sodium is a great choice if you’re watching your salt.
- 1 cup spinach, fresh: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic. It gives everything a lovely richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking for that perfect flavor boost!
- Parmesan cheese, for serving: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top takes this dish to the next level!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Getting started on this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is super easy, and I promise it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen! Here’s how to bring it all together:
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the chicken but not so hot that it splatters everywhere—trust me on this!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be incredible!
- Now it’s time to add the minced garlic. Sauté it for just 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it’s fragrant but be careful not to burn it—yikes!
- Next, stir in the gnocchi and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil. This step is crucial because it helps the gnocchi cook perfectly!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll see the gnocchi puff up and soak in all that delicious broth.
- When the gnocchi is tender, toss in the fresh spinach. Cook it for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts down beautifully.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic chicken gnocchi skillet is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly practical for any home cook! Here’s why you’ll adore making it:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
- One-pan wonder: With only one skillet to clean, you’ll spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, chicken, and fresh spinach creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or herbs to match your taste.
- Comfort food: It’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to leave you feeling great!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet turns out perfectly every time? Here are some of my best tips!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach really elevate the flavor. If you can, grab them from your local market!
- Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt or a dash of red pepper flakes can make a big difference.
- Keep an eye on the gnocchi: They cook quickly, so be sure to check them around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add another layer of flavor. Just toss them in at the end for a burst of freshness!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet! Here are a few ideas that I love:
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for added color and crunch. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies!
- Herb Swap: Try using fresh rosemary or oregano instead of basil or thyme for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat. You can adjust it based on your spice tolerance!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese just before serving for a creamy finish that’ll have everyone swooning.
- Protein Variations: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even diced sausage for a different protein option that pairs perfectly with gnocchi.
Get creative and make this dish your own—there are no rules in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this garlic chicken gnocchi skillet? Here’s an estimated overview per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. It’s always a good idea to customize according to your dietary needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers from your garlic chicken gnocchi skillet? No worries! You can store them easily. Just let the dish cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it helps to label it with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters—nobody wants a messy microwave! Enjoy your meal again!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet? I’m here to help! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just toss it directly into the skillet without thawing. It might take a minute or two longer to cook, but it’ll turn out great!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for a different protein, feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein like tofu. Both options will pair nicely with the garlic and gnocchi!
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Just cook everything right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What should I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad or some crusty bread works wonders! They complement the garlic chicken gnocchi skillet beautifully and round out the meal.
Learn more about pairing chicken with gnocchi.
Check out this chicken and broccoli salad for a great side dish!
Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 7 Mouthwatering Secrets
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A savory garlic chicken gnocchi skillet dish that is quick and easy to prepare.
Składniki
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups gnocchi
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in gnocchi and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese on top.
Uwagi
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
- For added flavor, include herbs like thyme or basil.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Skillet
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: garlic chicken gnocchi skillet
