Creamy Tuscan Chicken + Gnocchi Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This delightful meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this irresistible dish from scratch.
1. Introduction to Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is a hearty and delicious dish inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. The combination of juicy chicken breast, soft gnocchi, and a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your family and friends.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Gnocchi
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Broth
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips and mince the garlic. Wash the spinach and set it aside. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.
4. Cooking Instructions
Sautéing Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
Combining Chicken and Gnocchi with the Sauce
Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serving Suggestions
To serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi, garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley for added freshness and color. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
6. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option. Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi, and for a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free cheese.
7. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Cook the chicken evenly to avoid dryness by cutting it into uniform pieces.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce to your preference by adding more cream or cheese if needed.
- Check the gnocchi for doneness by cooking until they float to the surface, which indicates they are cooked through.
8. Health Benefits of Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, while spinach provides vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin K. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and garlic has immune-boosting properties. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich, creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Source: thewoodenskillet.com
Creamy Tuscan Chicken + Gnocchi Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This delightful meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this irresistible dish from scratch.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 3 strips thick cut bacon (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons butter (regular or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon shallots (minced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
- 1 cup Nutpods unsweetened dairy-free creamer (or half and half)
- 1 cup chicken broth (plus more as needed to thin)
- 1/2 cup packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 –2 handfuls fresh kale (chopped (spinach works too))
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (omit if dairy-free)
- 16 oz gnocchi (regular or gluten-free)
- fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese for garnish
- Prepare Chicken: prepare chicken breasts by cutting them in half lengthwise to create two chicken cutlets. Pat dry with clean paper towel and season lightly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Bacon: Bring large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat and add bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and place on a paper-towel lined plate. Set aside. Drain excess grease, ensuring you leave 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Sear Chicken: leaving skillet at medium-high heat, add chicken cutlets to the pan (do this in batches if you need to) and let sear 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and place on a plate; set aside.
- Make Sauce: Add butter to skillet along with bacon grease and let melt. Add shallots and garlic. Move around pan until the shallots soften a bit and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. Add flour and use a whisk to combine – it should form a paste with the shallots and garlic (aka a roux). Ensure temperature is still set to medium-high, continue to whisk and then add in creamer 1/4 cup at a time – whisking as you do. Continue adding the cream and then the broth 1/4 cup at a time.
- Add Ingredients: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, kale, parmesan cheese and gnocchi. Stir to combine. At this point, if the sauce is thickening too much, add another 1/4-1/2 cup broth or so of broth to thin a bit. Taste sauce and add additional salt or pepper, as desired – there is naturally a fair amount of salt in the recipe from the bacon and parmesan so just add what you want per your tastes.
- Bacon + Chicken: Add bacon to the skillet. Nestle the chicken into the mixture and let simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately with fresh basil, additional grated or shaved parmesan and some fresh cracked pepper.