Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich creamy sauce with potato gnocchi, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add the potato gnocchi and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi become tender.
- Incorporate Flavors: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the smoked paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese, blending everything well together.
- Add Spinach: Mix in the baby spinach leaves and stir until wilted into the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- If you prefer, use fresh gnocchi for a softer texture.
- The sundried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness but can be omitted or replaced with sun-dried tomato paste for a different flavor.
- Add more chicken stock or water if sauce thickens too much during simmering.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but expect a less rich sauce.
