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- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 package gnocchi (16 oz) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish This dish shines because of its fresh and simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role. Chicken Breast: I use one pound of diced chicken. It adds protein and makes the dish filling. Gnocchi: A 16-ounce package of gnocchi brings a soft and chewy texture that pairs well with the sauce. Garlic and Olive Oil: The garlic gives a strong flavor. Three tablespoons of olive oil help cook everything and adds richness. Vegetables: I add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of fresh spinach. The tomatoes burst with juice, and the spinach wilts perfectly. Seasonings: I use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. They enhance all the other flavors. Cheese and Garnish: Finally, I sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top and add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. These ingredients combine to create a quick, tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the flavors are amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} Heating the Skillet Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat to get the oil nice and hot. This step is key for a good sear on the chicken. Seasoning and Browning Chicken Next, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook this chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Stir it occasionally for even cooking. Boiling Gnocchi While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add a package of 16 ounces of gnocchi to the water. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top. This means they are ready! Draining Process Once the gnocchi float, quickly drain them in a colander. Set them aside for later use in the dish. Sautéing Garlic and Adding Vegetables When the chicken is done, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until it smells great. Then, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Mixing in Gnocchi and Cheese Now, add 1 cup of fresh spinach and the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Mix everything well to combine. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir gently until all the ingredients are warm and coated. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Timing the Cooking Steps Timing is key in this dish. Start with the chicken. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until it is golden. While it cooks, boil your gnocchi. They take only 2-3 minutes to float. This way, both will finish at the same time. Keeping Ingredients Fresh Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. They add color and taste. Look for bright green spinach and vibrant tomatoes. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This keeps them crisp and tasty. Additional Seasoning Ideas You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano work well too. Try different seasonings to find what you love. Suggestions for Cheese Variations Parmesan is great, but you can mix it up. Use feta for a tangy twist. Mozzarella melts beautifully if you want a cheesy pull. Experiment with different cheeses to enhance your dish. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Gnocchi: If possible, use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged ones for a lighter and more authentic texture. Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after cooking to maintain the gnocchi's texture and the vibrant flavors. {{image_2}} Using Different Proteins I love to switch up the chicken in this dish. You can use shrimp or tofu instead. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu adds a great texture and absorbs flavors well. Both give a fun twist to the recipe. Alternative Vegetables You can also change the veggies in your skillet. Zucchini works great when sliced thin. It adds a nice crunch. Bell peppers are another option. Their sweetness can brighten the dish. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Oven-Baked Version If you prefer baking, try this oven-baked method. Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet. Then, layer the cooked chicken, gnocchi, and veggies in a baking dish. Top it with cheese and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. This gives the dish a crispy top and rich flavor. One-Pot Variations For a quick clean-up, use a one-pot method. Start by cooking the chicken in a large pot. Add the gnocchi and veggies directly to the pot with some broth. Cook until everything is tender. This method keeps all the flavors together and saves time. After you enjoy your Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, you may have some left. Here’s how to store it: - Refrigeration Tips: Allow the dish to cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. - Freezing Recommendations: If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, follow these steps to reheat: - Best Methods to Reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stove. Place the skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Stir often until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. - Maintaining Texture and Flavor: To keep the gnocchi soft, avoid overheating. You want to warm it gently. Adding a little olive oil can help if it seems dry. This keeps the dish as delicious as when you first made it. Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they float. This way, they will be soft and ready to mix with the rest of your dish. How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet? Cooking chicken breast in a skillet takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it is browned and cooked through. Always check that the inside is no longer pink. What can I serve with garlic chicken gnocchi? You can serve garlic chicken gnocchi with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. A light, zesty side dish pairs well with the flavors of the skillet. Can I make this dish without garlic? Yes, you can skip the garlic. You might miss the flavor, but you can add onion or herbs for taste. This blog post explored a tasty chicken gnocchi dish. You learned about the key ingredients, like chicken breast, gnocchi, and vegetables. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to help you prepare it perfectly. You discovered useful tips and tricks to enhance flavor and adapt the dish with ingredient swaps. Whether storing leftovers or reheating, you now have the know-how to enjoy this meal multiple times. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Quick & Zesty Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

A quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 16 oz gnocchi
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the fresh spinach and cooked gnocchi to the skillet, and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to taste.
Keyword chicken, gnocchi, Italian, quick meal, skillet