Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi dish combines tender chicken breasts with pillowy gnocchi in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (such as rotisserie chicken seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 12 ounces store-bought gnocchi
- 2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with your seasoning blend. Add chicken to the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the shallots, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the shallots turn golden and soften.
- Step 3: Add the gnocchi and chicken broth to the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in the cream and torn spinach leaves. Maintain a low simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and wilt the spinach.
- Step 5: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and heat through.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken with a generous scoop of creamy gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top or stir some into the sauce for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit the Parmesan.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating; you can add a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, homemade gnocchi works beautifully and will have a tender texture similar to store-bought. Just make sure to cook them until they float for the best result.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine and gently reheat with the gnocchi just before serving to keep everything fresh and creamy.
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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and nestled in a rich, creamy sauce with tender gnocchi, sautéed shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with fresh thyme and Parmesan, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (e.g., McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, to taste
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces store-bought gnocchi (e.g., DeLallo gnocchi)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with your preferred seasoning blend until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then add the thinly sliced shallots and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the shallots are golden and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and have absorbed some of the broth.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the cream and add the torn spinach leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, and keep the mixture at a low simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gnocchi mixture to reheat and meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts with a generous scoop of the creamy gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top or stir it into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them before use.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on personal taste preference and seasoning blend strength.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Gnocchi, One-pan meal, Italian-inspired, Comfort food, Chicken dinner
