Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken breasts are a lean, protein-packed base for this recipe. Their mild flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce, making them an ideal choice for this dish. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quickly and evenly, ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of chicken and gnocchi.

• Gnocchi, the star of this dish, are small dumplings made primarily from potatoes. Their soft, pillowy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. In this recipe, the gnocchi cook directly in the skillet, absorbing the savory flavors of the garlic and chicken broth, making them extra flavorful. You can find fresh, refrigerated, or even shelf-stable gnocchi at most grocery stores.

• Garlic is the backbone of this dish, providing a strong, aromatic base that infuses the entire skillet with its bold, savory flavor. Using a generous amount of garlic ensures that its distinctive taste shines through in the creamy sauce. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add even more – there’s no such thing as too much garlic!

• Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly. It adds a luxurious texture and a hint of sweetness that balances the garlic and Parmesan cheese. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

• Chicken broth serves as the base for the sauce, adding depth and savory notes. It helps deglaze the pan after sautéing the garlic, incorporating the browned bits of chicken left behind to create a more flavorful sauce. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content or substitute vegetable broth if needed.

• Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish. It melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a slightly thickened, glossy texture. For the best flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-grated kind.

• Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and garlic, providing a base for the flavors to develop. Its mild, fruity taste complements the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

• This blend typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, adding a subtle herbal note that brings out the Italian-inspired flavors of the dish. It enhances the overall aroma and gives the dish a classic, comforting taste.

• Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper is essential to bring out its natural flavors. Adding a bit of freshly ground black pepper gives the sauce a mild heat and depth that pairs well with the creamy texture.

• Garnishing the dish with fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich, creamy sauce. The herbal, slightly sweet flavor of basil is a perfect contrast to the savory garlic and cheese.