Heavenly Creamy Garlic Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken and gnocchi dish promises pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety sauce.

Fragrant garlic weaves its magic through every single bite.

Creamy textures mingle with herbaceous undertones, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll adore.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly to craft this restaurant-worthy meal.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this culinary adventure that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Tasty Gnocchi Chicken Dish with Creative Twists

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Gnocchi: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Gnocchi: Swap chicken thighs for grilled chicken breast, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
• Creamy Mushroom Spinach Vegetarian Gnocchi: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, double the mushroom quantity, and add extra garlic for a rich vegetarian version.
• Light Lemon Herb Chicken Gnocchi: Use lighter cream or half-and-half, add fresh lemon zest, reduce red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh basil for a brighter, fresher taste.

Best Sides to Serve with Gnocchi Chicken

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Opt for a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak notes that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the rich chicken flavors.
• Vibrant Side Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast against the heavy, creamy gnocchi dish.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Select a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce, enhancing each bite's flavor profile.
• Herbal Drink Suggestion: Brew a fragrant rosemary-infused sparkling water that echoes the thyme in the recipe and cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store Chicken Gnocchi Without Drying Out

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled chicken and gnocchi to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken and gnocchi dish unique?

The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken thighs, and soft gnocchi creates a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference. You can reduce or completely omit them if you prefer a milder dish.

Reasons to Make Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Dish

• Create a Comforting Meal: Dive into a soul-warming dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luxurious creamy sauce that hugs every ingredient perfectly.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to sear chicken to golden perfection and create a restaurant-quality sauce with just a few basic ingredients, making you feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
• Enjoy Versatile Dinner Solution: This one-skillet wonder works brilliantly for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like switching spinach for kale or using different proteins, making this recipe adaptable to your pantry and personal taste preferences while maintaining its delicious core.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Dinner

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut of meat that provides richness and depth to the dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and hearty element to the creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A luxurious combination that creates a rich and velvety sauce base.
• Butter: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps create a silky sauce texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that is fundamental to the dish's taste profile.
• Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Fresh and dried herbs that bring complexity and traditional Mediterranean notes.
• Mushrooms: Offer an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and mild spiciness to the creamy sauce.

• Baby Spinach: Provides a fresh, green element and adds nutritional value to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity flavor.

How to Make Chicken Gnocchi with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Beauties

Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken skin-side down until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Sauce

Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir in thyme, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Introduce Pillowy Gnocchi

Drop gnocchi into the bubbling sauce and let them dance and absorb flavors for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients

Fold in baby spinach and stir until it wilts gracefully. Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches perfect doneness.

Step 5: Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle fresh thyme over the dish and serve piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Smart Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Cooking Success

• Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
• Select fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen options that can become mushy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding more gradually.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free gnocchi to make the dish suitable for different dietary needs.

Creamy Garlic Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic chicken and gnocchi merge Italian comfort with rich, velvety sauce in this irresistible one-pan wonder. Hearty flavors and creamy textures will transport home cooks straight to a rustic kitchen in Tuscany, where you’ll savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 12 ounces (340 grams) potato gnocchi
• 2 cups baby spinach

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by generously coating with aromatic seasonings, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Create a sizzling foundation in a heavy-bottomed skillet, heating olive oil to medium-high temperature for perfect golden-brown chicken skin, approximately 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove crispy chicken pieces, leaving behind flavorful drippings for sauce development.
4. Reduce skillet heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for garlic and mushrooms to release their enticing aromas.
5. Pour cream and chicken broth into the skillet, incorporating herbs and subtle spice elements to build a rich, velvety sauce.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until smoothly integrated and sauce reaches a gentle simmer.
7. Gently introduce gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, allowing them to absorb flavors and become tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8. Layer baby spinach into the mixture, letting leaves wilt and merge with the creamy environment.
9. Carefully return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and allowing everything to harmonize at a low simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Finish by garnishing with delicate fresh thyme sprigs, creating a visually appealing and aromatic presentation ready to be served immediately.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with skinless breasts for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Toast mushrooms separately to develop deeper, richer umami flavors before adding to the sauce.
• Gluten-sensitive cooks can replace regular gnocchi with potato or cauliflower-based alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg