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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Pan combines fluffy potato dumplings with juicy chicken chunks in a buttery, garlic-infused cream mixture. This half-hour meal turns basic kitchen staples into a fancy-looking dinner that's ideal for those busy evenings when you crave something impressive without spending forever cooking.
When I first whipped this up, the smell of garlic took over my entire kitchen. It's now become what I make whenever I want folks to think I've been cooking all day.
Key Components
- Potato gnocchi: Grab store-bought or refrigerated versions, they're both great
- Chicken breasts: Slice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking time
- Fresh garlic: This is what makes the dish sing, so be generous
- Heavy cream: Gives you that smooth, dreamy sauce texture
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the best melting into your sauce
- High-quality olive oil: Gets you better color and flavor on your chicken pieces
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Slice your chicken into same-size chunks and set out everything you'll need before you start. Having stuff ready makes this quick dish go even faster.
- Step 2:
- Get your pan really hot first, then add the oil. Cook chicken pieces without crowding them, and try not to push them around too much - you want that nice golden outside.
- Step 3:
- Take out the chicken and throw in your garlic, stirring the whole time. The pan's leftover heat works perfectly to bring out garlic flavor without burning it.
- Step 4:
- Put the gnocchi straight into your sauce mixture - they'll soak up all those tasty flavors while they cook. Mix them gently so they don't break apart.
- Step 5:
- Add the chicken back when your gnocchi feels soft. Let everything bubble together for a bit so the flavors can mix and mingle.
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My nonna always told me the trick to great gnocchi was treating them gently. This dish keeps that old wisdom but makes things quick and easy for modern cooks.
Choosing The Right Skillet
A thick-bottomed pan spreads heat evenly and stops your cream sauce from burning.
What To Serve With It
Add a simple arugula salad with lemony dressing to cut through the richness of the dish.
Storing What's Left
When you warm up leftovers, add a little cream or broth to bring back that smooth sauce.
Ways To Mix It Up
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Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or handfuls of baby spinach for extra punch and color.
This one-pan dinner has become my go-to when I want to turn a regular Tuesday into something special. It shows how comfort food can be both fancy and super easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I replace heavy cream with?
- Switch it out with milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- → Is there a gluten-free way to make it?
- Grab gluten-free gnocchi at most stores—they work perfectly!
- → Why clean the pan bottom?
- Those stuck-on bits give your sauce an extra punch of flavor.
- → When's the gnocchi cooked?
- Once it softens up after 3-4 minutes, it’s ready to go!
- → Can I skip cooking raw chicken?
- Totally—just use cooked chicken, adding it at the end to heat up.