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- 1 lb chicken breast - 1 package gnocchi (16 oz) - 4 cloves garlic - 3 tablespoons olive oil Chicken breast is the star of this dish. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breast. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. I cut it into bite-sized pieces for fast cooking. Gnocchi brings a comforting, chewy texture. You can find store-bought gnocchi or make your own if you like. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. I always use minced garlic for a rich taste. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds a nice sheen to the dish. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy. They burst in your mouth, adding freshness. Fresh spinach wilts down nicely and brings vibrant color. It’s packed with nutrients, too! Grated Parmesan cheese makes everything creamier and adds a salty kick. I love using this cheese to finish the dish. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves Italian seasoning blends many flavors. It usually has herbs like oregano and thyme. Salt and pepper bring out the taste of each ingredient. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing. They add a pop of color and a lovely aroma. I like to tear them by hand for the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Place it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer before adding food. This step ensures even cooking and great flavor. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the chicken to turn a nice golden brown and be fully cooked. This gives the dish depth and flavor. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Carefully drop in the gnocchi. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. You will know they are done when they rise to the surface. Drain the gnocchi well and set them aside. This step ensures they won't get mushy. Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for 1 minute. Stir frequently to keep it from burning. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, adding color and taste. Now add the fresh spinach and the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to mix everything. Let the spinach wilt slightly. This adds a fresh touch and bright color to your dish. Drizzle in the last tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss everything together gently until well mixed and heated through. The cheese should melt into the dish, creating a creamy texture. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a minute. This resting time helps all the flavors blend together. To get the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves. Mince them finely for the most taste. When sautéing garlic, heat your skillet first with oil. Add garlic only when the oil is hot. This helps it cook evenly. Stir the garlic often. It cooks fast, so watch it closely. Remove it from heat as soon as it turns golden. This way, it stays sweet and does not burn. To keep leftovers fresh, let your dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To make your dish look great, use a large white plate. This helps the colors pop. Spoon the chicken and gnocchi mix in the center. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil on top. This adds shine and richness. For extra flavor, serve it with a slice of crusty bread. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes enhance the flavor and nutritional value of this dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi are done when they float to the surface. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them! Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your personal preferences for a customized flavor profile. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the dish's flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap out chicken for other proteins. Here are some options: - Shrimp for a light and quick meal. - Tofu for a vegetarian twist. - Sausage for a hearty flavor. - Turkey for a leaner choice. Each option adds its own taste. Adjust cooking times as needed. For shrimp, cook just until pink. Tofu needs a good sear for better flavor. Sausage should be cooked through before adding other ingredients. Add more veggies to boost nutrition and flavor. Here are some ideas: - Bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. - Zucchini for a mild taste and nice texture. - Green beans for a fresh bite. - Mushrooms for earthiness. You can mix and match your favorites. Just remember to keep the cooking times in mind. Softer veggies like zucchini cook faster than heartier ones like green beans. Cheese can change the whole dish. Here are some tasty alternatives: - Mozzarella for a creamy, melty finish. - Feta for a tangy kick. - Goat cheese for a rich and bold flavor. - Cheddar for a sharp twist. Try different cheeses to find your favorite. You can even mix cheeses for a unique taste. Remember to sprinkle cheese on top for the best melting effect. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This helps keep your Minute Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet fresh and tasty. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer the meal into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your skillet dish gently for the best flavor. I recommend using a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. This way, you won’t lose any of that delicious taste. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 15 minutes This quick recipe fits into any busy day. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi cooks quickly in boiling water. - They may take a minute longer than fresh gnocchi. - Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. Both options taste great, so choose what you have on hand. You can serve many sides with this skillet dish. Here are some ideas: - Salad: A fresh green salad pairs well. - Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread complements the meal. - Wine: A glass of white wine enhances the flavors. Feel free to mix and match sides to suit your taste! This blog post covered a tasty garlic chicken gnocchi dish you can easily make. We explored each ingredient, cooking steps, and helpful tips. My final thoughts? This dish is not only quick to prepare but also full of flavor. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses. Enjoy this meal with friends or family, and make great memories around the table. Happy cooking!

Zesty Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Delight

A flavorful and hearty skillet dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, garlic, and fresh vegetables.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 package gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet. Place over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the diced chicken breast to the heated skillet. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Carefully drop in the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they rise to the surface—this indicates they are done. Drain well and set aside.
  • Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they soften and release their juicy goodness.
  • Add the fresh spinach followed by the cooked gnocchi into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, allowing the spinach to wilt.
  • Drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through, ensuring the cheese melts into the mixture.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to create a delicious, creamy coating.
  • Plate the dish and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, top with additional grated Parmesan before serving for that extra indulgence.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade gnocchi if possible.
Keyword chicken, easy, garlic, gnocchi, skillet