Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful dinner option, look no further than this creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious sauce, this dish is all about bringing classic Italian flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for guests, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Growing up, Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house always included her famous chicken and gnocchi. The aroma that filled the house was both welcoming and nostalgic. I watched her prepare it with such love and attention to detail that it became more than just a meal; it was a way to bring our family together. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it embodies the warmth and connection of those cherished family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The sauce is perfectly creamy, enhancing the flavor of the chicken and gnocchi.
• Versatility: Easily tailored to suit your dietary preferences or family’s taste.
• Comforting: It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients Notes

For this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients to get started:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for optimal tenderness.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi works well, but you can use homemade for an extra touch.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the richness needed for the sauce. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients. Kale can be used as an alternative.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Add the gnocchi to the simmering cream, cooking until they float to the top and are cooked through. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the spinach and cooked chicken. Cook until the spinach is wilted and all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5

Finish with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If you plan to freeze, omit the spinach before freezing, and add fresh spinach when reheating as frozen spinach may lose its texture.

Variations & Substitutions

For a healthier twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For a gluten-free version, ensure your gnocchi is made with gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile enough to be served on its own as a main course. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or a cozy family gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe? Yes, frozen gnocchi is a great option when fresh is not available. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed since frozen gnocchi may take a bit longer to cook through.

What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, peas, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value. These add a pop of color and can be a great way to clear out the fridge.

How can I make this dish spicier? To increase the heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the cream sauce. This will give the dish a pleasant kick that complements the creaminess.

This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe offers the comfort of traditional Italian cuisine while being adaptable to modern kitchens. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, it’s a dish that brings everyone together with its delightful flavors and comforting textures. Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken pieces with pillowy soft gnocchi in a rich, flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
• ▢ 1 pound chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• ▢ 17.6 ounces gnocchi store-bought or homemade
• ▢ 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• ▢ 2 cups spinach fresh
• ▢ 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
• Add gnocchi, and cook until gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
• Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.