Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Heavenly Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Garlic butter chicken gnocchi refines ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that promises comfort and excitement.

Italian-inspired dishes rarely feel this indulgent and satisfying.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestled alongside succulent chicken create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Robust seasoning and creamy butter sauce elevate this meal from simple to spectacular.

Rich, aromatic ingredients dance together, promising a dining experience that feels both familiar and innovative.

Hearty yet elegant, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming creation.

Gnocchi Cooking Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Gnocchi

Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In a food processor, combine:
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until ingredients are finely chopped and well mixed.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.

Step 5: Add Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream and garlic butter mixture into the skillet. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with sauce. Cook for additional 2 minutes to warm gnocchi thoroughly. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors.

Tips for Creamy, Well-Cooked Gnocchi

  • Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste.
  • Perfect Gnocchi Texture: Pat gnocchi dry with paper towels before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy exterior.
  • Garlic Butter Secret: Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: If sauce appears too thin, sprinkle a pinch of cornstarch to help thicken without altering the overall taste.
  • Temperature Control: Cook chicken on medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Keep Gnocchi Soft and Saucy in Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store the chicken gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the meal completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid refreezing to maintain the best texture and flavor quality.

What Goes Well with This Cozy Dish

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the rich, buttery sauce and cut through the creamy texture of the dish.
  • Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy chicken gnocchi and provide a fresh counterpoint.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts with garlic and parmesan to enhance the herbal notes and add nutritional diversity to the meal.
  • Finish with Citrus Sorbet: Offer a lemon or orange sorbet as a palate cleanser after the rich, creamy main course, bringing a bright and refreshing end to the dining experience.

Add More Twists to This Gnocchi Recipe

  • Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Gnocchi: Replace parsley with diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Add red pepper flakes to enhance the heat and create a zesty flavor profile that tingles taste buds.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Gnocchi: Substitute smoked paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired variation that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the dish.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding chicken to the skillet. Replace heavy cream with a blend of cream and white wine for an earthy, rich sauce that complements the tender chicken and soft gnocchi.
  • Pesto Chicken Gnocchi: Swap garlic butter mixture with homemade basil pesto. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and nutty depth, creating a fresh and aromatic version of the classic recipe.

What Makes Chicken Gnocchi So Comforting

  • Savor Rich, Creamy Comfort: The garlic butter sauce coats every morsel with luxurious, velvety goodness that hugs the tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, creating a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.
  • Whip Up Quickly with Minimal Effort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
  • Elevate Everyday Ingredients: Smoked paprika and fresh garlic transform basic chicken and store-bought gnocchi into a gourmet experience, proving that extraordinary flavors can emerge from ordinary components with smart seasoning and technique.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor in this streamlined recipe that develops deep, complex tastes by layering ingredients in a single pan, reducing dishes and maximizing convenience for home cooks.

Ingredients for Buttery Chicken Gnocchi

Main Ingredients:

Chicken Proteins: – Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide hearty texture and carbohydrate base for the meal.

Flavor Enhancers:

Herbs and Spices: – Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of chicken and creates depth.

  • Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and rich color to the chicken, providing a subtle complexity.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and a subtle green note to the garlic butter sauce.

Dairy Components: – Butter, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, luxurious sauce with smooth and creamy consistency.

  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides intense, pungent flavor to the entire dish.

Cooking Base:

Liquid and Oil: – Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken, providing a light, neutral cooking medium.

  • Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and butter.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken gnocchi brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with rich, creamy flavors and tender potato dumplings. Crispy chicken, golden gnocchi, and a silky garlic sauce create a luxurious meal that satisfies your deepest pasta cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1 pound gnocchi (uncooked)

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Fats and Liquids:

  • 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare gnocchi according to package directions, ensuring each dumpling is cooked until tender and floating at the surface, then drain and set aside.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly coating chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, massaging the spices into the meat to ensure complete coverage.
  3. Craft a luxurious garlic butter sauce by pulsing unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until ingredients are finely incorporated and fragrant.
  4. Warm of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, cooking for approximately 5 to 6 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Pour heavy cream (240 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) and the prepared garlic butter mixture into the skillet, reducing heat to medium and stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 4 to 5 minutes.
  6. Introduce cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure each dumpling is evenly coated and heated through, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch, and serve while piping hot.

Notes

  • Elevate your weeknight dinner with this luxurious one-pan chicken and gnocchi dish that combines creamy, buttery flavors with tender chicken.
  • Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts create a golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds a delightful smoky depth to the entire meal.
  • Homemade garlic butter transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality sauce that coats every pillow-soft gnocchi with rich, aromatic goodness.
  • Quick cooking method ensures you’ll have a delectable meal ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Using a food processor for the garlic butter helps distribute flavors evenly and creates a smooth, well-integrated sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and gnocchi.
  • Pro tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out during the final sauce-making stage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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