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Buttery Potato Gnocchi Chicken Skillet combines fluffy potato dumplings with juicy chicken chunks in a creamy, garlicky sauce. This quick 30-minute dinner turns basic ingredients into a fancy-looking meal that's perfect when you're busy but still want something tasty without any hassle.
The first time I whipped this up, my whole house smelled amazing from all that garlic. Now it's what I make whenever I want folks to think I spent ages cooking when I actually didn't.
Key Components
- Potato gnocchi: Grab either shelf-stable or refrigerated ones - they'll both turn out great
- Chicken breasts: Chop them the same size so they cook evenly
- Fresh garlic: This is what makes everything taste amazing, so be generous
- Heavy cream: Gives you that smooth, rich sauce texture
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melting
- Good quality olive oil: Makes the chicken brown up nicer
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Slice your chicken into same-sized chunks and set up all your stuff before you start. Having everything ready makes cooking go way faster.
- Step 2:
- Get your pan super hot before pouring in oil. Cook the chicken pieces without crowding them. Let them sit still to get that nice golden outside.
- Step 3:
- Take out the chicken, then cook garlic in the same pan, always moving it around. The leftover heat works great to bring out garlic flavor without burning it.
- Step 4:
- Throw the gnocchi straight into your sauce - they'll soak up all the yummy flavors while they cook. Stir them carefully so they don't break apart.
- Step 5:
- Put the chicken back in once your gnocchi feels soft. Let everything bubble together a bit so the flavors can mix well.
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My Italian grandma always told me the trick to awesome gnocchi was treating them gently. This dish keeps that old wisdom but makes it quick and easy for busy days.
Choose The Right Skillet
A thick-bottomed pan spreads heat all around and stops your creamy sauce from burning on the bottom.
Foods That Go Well With It
Add a simple arugula salad with lemony dressing on the side to cut through the richness.
What To Do With Extras
When warming up leftovers, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to make the sauce smooth again.
Ways To Switch It Up
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Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or handfuls of baby spinach for more color and taste.
This one-pan dinner has become my go-to when I want to make a regular Tuesday feel special. It shows how comfort food can be both fancy and super easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pick a lighter cream option?
- Sure, swap heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.
- → What about gluten-free options?
- Of course, just grab some gluten-free gnocchi.
- → Why scrape the pan bottom?
- It brings in added flavor from the browned bits.
- → How can I tell if the gnocchi's done?
- When they’re tender, in about 3-4 minutes, they’re good to go.
- → Can I toss in pre-cooked chicken?
- Absolutely, just heat it through at the end.