Easy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: 30-Minute Family Dinner

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As a busy parent, finding tasty, easy meals for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy chicken gnocchi skillet recipe. It’s full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner.

This chicken gnocchi skillet is perfect because it’s both comforting and easy to make. The sauce is rich and savory, and the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes add color and texture. Plus, it’s easy to clean up, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

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Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution

Craving a quick, easy meal for a busy weeknight? The Easy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is your answer. It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those hectic evenings.

Benefits of One-Pan Cooking

One-pan cooking is a big time-saver. It means less cleanup and easier prep. You can enjoy a tasty meal with your family without stress. The Easy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a great example, combining chicken, gnocchi, and veggies in a creamy sauce.

Time-Saving Kitchen Tips

This recipe saves time without losing flavor. Cooking the gnocchi in the sauce skips the pre-cooking step. Plus, it only needs a few ingredients, making it quick to prepare.

Why This Recipe Works

The Easy Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a weeknight winner. It’s affordable and can feed everyone. It’s also quick to make and easy to clean up. this dish is ideal for busy nights when you want a tasty, easy meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

To make a tasty chicken gnocchi skillet, you need the right mix of ingredients. The chicken gnocchi ingredients are key for a creamy, flavorful meal.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs are often used for their richer taste. You’ll also need all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. For flavor, use paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add a nice aroma. Unsalted butter is the base for the sauce. Shallots or onions bring sweetness, while white wine and chicken broth make the sauce creamy.

Leafy greens like kale or spinach, and grape tomatoes add nutrition. Store-bought potato gnocchi is the main ingredient, making the dish soft and light.

Top it off with Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

IngredientAmount
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts1 1/2 Pounds
All-Purpose Flour3 Tablespoons
Paprika, Cayenne, Salt, Black PepperTo Taste
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary2 Teaspoons Fresh, 3/4 Teaspoon Dried
Unsalted Butter5 Tablespoons
Shallot or Yellow Onion1 Medium
White Wine1/4 Cup
Chicken Broth1 1/4 Cup
Heavy Cream or Half and Half1/2 Cup
Kale or Spinach2 Cups, Stems Removed and Leaves Torn
Potato Gnocchi16 Ounces Package
Grape TomatoesTo Taste
Parmesan Cheese1/2 Cup Grated
Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts (Optional)To Taste

With these chicken gnocchi ingredients, you’re ready to make a creamy chicken gnocchi dish. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

For a perfect skillet dinner, you need some key kitchen tools for gnocchi. The right tools make your skillet dinner tasty and enjoyable.

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is best for this recipe. Choose a cast-iron or stainless steel one. It should handle high heat well and cook evenly. The deep sides prevent splatters and make tossing ingredients easy.

Additional Helpful Tools

Along with your skillet, get these tools ready:

  • Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
  • Kitchen tongs for handling and turning chicken and gnocchi
  • A meat thermometer for the chicken’s perfect internal temperature
  • An oven-safe skillet for oven finishing

With the right kitchen tools for gnocchi and a well-stocked kitchen, you’re set for a tasty skillet dinner.

kitchen tools for gnocchi

Preparing Your Chicken Gnocchi Skillet for Maximum Flavor

To make your creamy chicken gnocchi dish truly special, focus on the chicken’s flavor. Before cooking, season and prepare it well for the best taste.

  1. First, sprinkle the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds amazing flavors to the chicken.
  2. Then, coat the chicken in a mix of flour, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper. This makes the chicken crispy and flavorful.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes each side. This step keeps the chicken juicy and adds a tasty crust.
  4. Make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety and tenderness.

By spending time on chicken preparation, you’ll create a creamy chicken gnocchi dish that’s full of flavor.

IngredientAmount
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts1.5 lb, cut into bite-size pieces
Italian Seasoning3/4 tsp
Paprika1/2 tsp, plus more for dredging
Salt1/2 tsp
Black Pepper1/4 tsp
All-Purpose Flour2 tbsp, plus more for dredging
Cayenne PepperPinch
Butter1 tbsp

The Perfect Creamy Sauce Base for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

The secret to a delicious creamy chicken sauce or Tuscan cream sauce is in the ingredients. You need rich heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and a bit of dry white wine. Together, they make a sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken just right.

Choosing the Right Cream for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

For the creamiest sauce, use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. These high-fat options make the sauce feel luxurious and smooth. Half-and-half is a good choice if you want something a bit lighter but just as creamy.

Wine and Broth Selection

  • Opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It adds depth and a touch of acidity.
  • Pair the wine with a tasty chicken broth. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought for the best flavor.

Seasoning Balance

Seasoning is key to a great creamy chicken sauce or Tuscan cream sauce. Start with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This creates a warm, aromatic base. Adjust the spices to your liking for the perfect flavor.

As the gnocchi cook, they release starch that thickens the sauce. If it’s too thin, add more broth or cream. This way, you get a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Working with Store-Bought Gnocchi

Using store-bought gnocchi is the secret to a tasty chicken gnocchi skillet. These small potato dumplings add a fun texture and soak up the sauce’s rich flavors.

You don’t need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce. Just toss in the uncooked gnocchi and wait. In about 5 minutes, they’ll float, showing they’re cooked just right.

This easy method lets the gnocchi soak up all the chicken and cream flavors. It makes for a delicious, balanced dish. No extra steps needed – just let the gnocchi work its magic.

  1. Find shelf-stable potato gnocchi in your local grocery store’s pasta aisle.
  2. Add the uncooked gnocchi straight to the sauce, skipping the pre-cooking step.
  3. Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, until they float.
  4. This way, the gnocchi absorbs all the sauce’s amazing flavors.

With store-bought gnocchi and this simple cooking method, you can make a delicious chicken gnocchi skillet quickly. Impress your loved ones with this easy, one-pan dish!

Adding Fresh Vegetables and Herbs to your Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Make your Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet even better by adding fresh veggies and herbs. These simple steps can make the dish taste better and be healthier.

Best Vegetable Combinations with Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

For a splash of color and extra vitamins, try adding fresh spinach or kale. They’ll mix well with the other ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts are also great, adding depth and texture. You can also use sliced mushrooms, fresh peas, or broccoli florets.

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary are essential for the best flavor in your Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet. They add a fresh taste that’s amazing. If fresh herbs are hard to find, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh.

By adding these vegetables for gnocchi and fresh herbs in cooking, you’ll make a delicious Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi Skillet. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Begin your chicken gnocchi recipe by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and spices like Herbs de Provence, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken in a large skillet with olive oil and butter until golden brown, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken stock. This helps scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and gnocchi. Gently toss the gnocchi in the creamy sauce and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender. Return the seared chicken to the pan and let the dish simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. Finish by sprinkling in some Parmesan cheese and serve your delicious one-pan meal.

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