Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with pillowy gnocchi smothered in a rich garlic butter cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound gnocchi (uncooked)
• 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into bite size pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, then set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, making sure each piece is fully coated.
3. Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter mixture by adding butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse for about 30 seconds until finely crumbled with no large garlic pieces remaining.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Pour the heavy cream and garlic butter mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the butter is fully melted.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh gnocchi if available for a softer texture, or try sweet potato gnocchi for a twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
• Swap parsley with basil or thyme for a different herbal flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.

Is it necessary to use a food processor for the garlic butter mixture?

While a food processor makes the process quick and easy, you can finely mince the garlic and parsley by hand and then mix with softened butter and lemon juice instead.

Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

This Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi recipe features tender bite-sized chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika, cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, then tossed with pillowy gnocchi in a creamy garlic butter sauce infused with fresh parsley and lemon juice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and flavorful dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that combines rich flavors with an easy, one-pan cooking method.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gnocchi and Chicken

• 1 pound gnocchi (uncooked)
• 1 pound chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
3. Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a food processor, combine the butter, garlic cloves, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse for about 30 seconds until the mixture is finely crumbled with no large garlic pieces.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the sauce: Pour the heavy cream and the prepared garlic butter mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Toss with gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss everything together, ensuring the gnocchi is fully coated in the garlic butter cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the gnocchi through.
7. Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve the garlic butter chicken gnocchi immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid using pre-minced garlic as it may impart a different taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
• You can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aroma.
• Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly so they cook uniformly.
• The garlic butter mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, use store-bought cooked gnocchi to save time, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi, Creamy Chicken Gnocchi, Easy Chicken Dinner, One-pan gnocchi recipe, Italian chicken recipe