Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s explore how to create this delicious meal step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: The combination of chicken, gnocchi, and creamy sauce makes for a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with different vegetables or herbs to suit your tastes.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy texture and delicious flavors, making it a hit for family dinners.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan works best for this recipe.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
• Chopping board and knife: For cutting the chicken and vegetables.
• Ladle: For serving the creamy chicken and gnocchi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Boil the Gnocchi: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Add Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.
2. Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the baby spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Spoon the creamy chicken and gnocchi into serving bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
3. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and creamy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chicken broth and fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
2. Cook the Gnocchi Properly: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as it can become mushy. As soon as they float to the surface, they are ready to be drained.
3. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the flour for a flavorful addition.
4. Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in to thicken.
5. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations on the Recipe

1. Mushroom Chicken and Gnocchi: Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic for a hearty addition.
2. Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto into the creamy sauce for a vibrant twist.
3. Lemon Chicken and Gnocchi: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to brighten the flavors of the dish.
4. Spicy Chicken and Gnocchi: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
5. Herb-Infused Chicken and Gnocchi: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of seasonal roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice complements the creamy chicken well.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Its combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a satisfying meal any day of the week. With the flexibility to customize it to your tastes, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that this dish has to offer!

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

Print

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let's explore how to create this delicious meal step by step.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale), chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Chicken
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot.
   Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   
3. Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and basil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Chicken
   Add the gnocchi to the pot and return the cooked chicken. Stir to combine.
   Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and floats to the surface.
   
5. Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese
   Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted and combined.
   Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   
6. Step 6: Serve
   Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
   Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Gnocchi: You can use fresh or frozen gnocchi for this recipe. If using frozen, no need to thaw; just add them directly to the broth.

Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.