Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal! Imagine tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce with a hint of sun-dried tomato pesto. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a satisfying and delicious dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a flash. It’s ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep and simple steps.
  • Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and gnocchi.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pan, saving you time and effort.
  • Healthy and Satisfying: This dish is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for the whole family.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
  • Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
  • Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking.
  • Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
  • Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
  • Sun-dried tomato pesto: Adds a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
  • Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi adds a soft and pillowy texture to the dish.
  • Fresh baby spinach: Adds a healthy and flavorful touch.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce and Cook Gnocchi

In the same skillet, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Stir well to combine. Add the gnocchi to the pan, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use room temperature cream: Room temperature heavy cream will incorporate more easily into the sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi will be mushy. Cook them just until they are tender.
  • Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a minute or two longer to reduce.
  • Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini.

How to Serve

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can! Shrimp, sausage, or even ground meat would be delicious substitutes for chicken.

2. Can I use a different type of pesto? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pesto, such as basil pesto or spinach pesto.

3. Can I make this recipe without cream? Yes, you can! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish? Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or Italian seasoning would be delicious additions.

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. With its simple preparation, one-pan convenience, and healthy ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is a quick and comforting dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach are tossed in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce with a hint of sun-dried tomato pesto. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
  • 1 pound gnocchi (1 package)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Make Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Add gnocchi, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in cooked chicken and spinach. Cook for 2 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.
  4. Serve: Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomato pesto, you can substitute with regular pesto or your favorite pasta sauce.
  • For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of the cooking time.
  • Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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