Silky Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe for Family Dinners

Sizzling pans and aromatic garlic butter chicken gnocchi recipe send tantalizing waves through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among pillowy gnocchi, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Each forkful promises a comforting embrace of rich, savory goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The golden-brown chicken mingles with soft potato dumplings, creating a symphony of deliciousness that’s both elegant and approachable.

butter melts into a silky sauce that coats every morsel, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

This dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

What Goes into Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a tender and succulent base for the dish, selecting fresh, high-quality cuts ensures the best flavor and texture.
  • Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste, creating a robust and aromatic flavor profile.
For Sauce Base:
  • Butter, Garlic, Parsley, Lemon Juice: Vibrant combination that creates a zesty and creamy sauce, fresh garlic and herbs elevate the overall taste experience.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a smooth cooking foundation and brings out the richness of other ingredients.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes a luxurious, velvety texture that binds the sauce together.
For Carbohydrate and Finishing:
  • Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that absorb the sauce beautifully, choosing fresh or high-quality packaged gnocchi ensures the best result.
  • Salt, Pepper: Final seasoning to balance and perfect the dish's overall flavor profile.

Handy Tools to Cook Chicken Gnocchi with Garlic Butter

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Food processor: Perfect for blending the garlic butter mixture into a smooth, fragrant sauce.
  • Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Great for slicing and seasoning chicken breasts.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings and ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi

  • Gnocchi Preparation

Boil gnocchi following package guidelines until perfectly tender and floating.

  • Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle chicken with aromatic spices, ensuring each piece gets an even coating of flavor.

  • Garlic Butter Creation

Pulse butter, fresh garlic, bright parsley, tangy lemon, and subtle seasonings into a fragrant blend.

  • Chicken Searing

Heat pan with olive oil and cook chicken until golden and crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

  • Creamy Sauce Development

Pour heavy cream and garlic butter mixture into skillet, letting ingredients meld and sauce thicken with gentle stirring.

  • Final Combination

Fold gnocchi into creamy sauce, allowing everything to warm through and marry flavors for a delightful meal.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi

  • Replace chicken breasts with thighs for a richer, more tender meat option that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter for a subtle heat that elevates the entire dish.
  • Substitute chicken with roasted mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meatless version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Grate fresh parmesan or pecorino romano over the finished dish to add a salty, nutty depth that complements the garlic butter sauce.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles and personalize the recipe.

How to Plate Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Beautifully

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken gnocchi and add refreshing contrast.
  • Sprinkle Herbs on Top: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or chives for bright color and added herbal aroma that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • Wine Companion Selection: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy garlic butter sauce.
  • Crusty Bread Side: Add warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and provide delightful textural crunch.

Keeping Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Fresh

  • Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover garlic butter chicken gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream-based sauce might slightly separate, so gently reheat and stir before serving.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery chicken and uneven heating.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen gnocchi dishes maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken and garlic butter sauce in advance, storing separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep gnocchi uncooked until ready to combine, ensuring each component stays fresh and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 5

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Silky Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Silky Garlic Butter Chicken Gnocchi Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory garlic butter chicken gnocchi blends Italian comfort with rich, creamy textures. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes you to indulge in its delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Gnocchi Preparation: Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float and become tender, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
  2. Chicken Seasoning: Generously massage chicken breasts with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring complete and even coverage of the meat.
  3. Garlic Butter Infusion: Blend unsalted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until a fragrant, well-integrated sauce develops.
  4. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then expertly sear seasoned chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Sauce Development: Introduce heavy cream and garlic butter mixture to the skillet, reducing heat to medium and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 4-5 minutes, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
  6. Final Fusion: Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the creamy sauce, ensuring each dumpling is thoroughly coated and heated, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and textures.
  7. Serving Presentation: Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish, and serve while steaming hot to maximize flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Master Gnocchi Timing: Cook gnocchi precisely until they float, preventing mushy or undercooked dumplings for perfect texture.
  • Spice Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub seasonings into chicken to maximize flavor penetration and create a more intense taste profile.
  • Sauce Emulsion Secret: Blend garlic butter ingredients until ultra-smooth for a consistently rich and aromatic sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Maintain medium heat when simmering sauce to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, luxurious consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 660
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 27 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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