Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and downright irresistible, Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi is your new best friend. Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, paired with pillowy gnocchi that soaks up all that goodness. This dish is a hug in a bowl—perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to treat yourself and others to something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

This recipe isn’t just easy to make; it’s packed with rich flavors that will leave you craving more. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite in your rotation:

Comfort Food at Its Best

The combination of creamy garlic sauce and soft, warm gnocchi creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s like a warm blanket for your taste buds!

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make this dish. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken, you’ll have a meal that tastes gourmet without the effort.

One-Pan Wonder

Cooking doesn’t get much easier than this! Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for busy nights or when you want a delicious meal with minimal mess.

Customizable

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Love extra garlic? Add more! Want a lighter version? Swap out the cream for a milk-based sauce. There’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser

This dish is rich, flavorful, and hearty, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a meal that’s sure to leave everyone at the table impressed and satisfied.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you need for this creamy, garlicky, and delicious dish:

Chicken Breasts

The chicken is the base of this dish, adding a juicy, savory element that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking.

Gnocchi

The star of the show! Gnocchi is soft, pillowy, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy garlic goodness. You can use store-bought gnocchi, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

Garlic

You can’t have a garlic-based dish without garlic, right? Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth of flavor that infuses the sauce and gives it that irresistible punch.

Heavy Cream

For that ultra-creamy, rich texture, heavy cream is key. It makes the sauce silky and indulgent—just what you need for a comforting dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for adding that salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce. It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a little extra oomph.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth helps balance the creaminess and adds a savory depth of flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.

Butter and Olive Oil

A bit of butter for richness and olive oil for cooking ensures everything comes together perfectly without sticking to the pan.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness to this creamy dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into the steps to create this creamy, garlicky dream? Let’s get cooking!

Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!

Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any delicious bits left from the chicken. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (usually boiling them for a few minutes until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.

Combine Everything

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and stir to coat them in the creamy sauce. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan, stirring everything together until well combined. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just to heat everything through.

Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy chicken and gnocchi with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500 calories (based on 4 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 500
• Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi

This dish is rich enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

With a Fresh Salad

Pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the creamy chicken and gnocchi. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would be perfect.

With Garlic Bread

If you’re in the mood for more carbs (who isn’t?), serve this with some crispy, buttery garlic bread. It’s the ultimate pairing for sopping up the creamy sauce.

With Steamed Veggies

Add some green vegetables on the side—like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach—to add some color and extra nutrition to the meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Lighter

If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative. You can also use less butter and olive oil to reduce the fat content.

Add Veggies

Feel free to add some vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture. They’ll also boost the nutrition.

Can’t Find Gnocchi?

If you can’t find gnocchi, you can substitute it with small pasta, such as penne or rotini. The creamy sauce will still work beautifully with any pasta.

Make It Ahead

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep everything ahead of time! Cook the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce separately and store in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine and reheat.

Double the Batch

If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, go ahead and double the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to handle everything!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any small pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and toss it in the creamy sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can use gluten-free gnocchi or gluten-free pasta instead. Just check the ingredients to ensure everything is safe for your dietary needs.

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A4: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream or almond milk, and swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A5: Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas would be great additions. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Freezing is not ideal for this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and gnocchi separately, then make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?
A7: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Q8: How spicy is this dish?
A8: This recipe isn’t spicy. If you prefer a kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Q9: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A9: It’s best made fresh, but you can prep the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce separately in advance. Just combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Q10: How can I make this recipe lighter?
A10: You can lighten it up by using less cream or opting for a lighter cream substitute. Also, using less butter and olive oil will reduce the fat content.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi is the perfect dish for those nights when you crave comfort food without all the fuss. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi come together for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s quick, easy, and sure to please anyone at your table. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking—you won’t regret it!

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