Description
This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender, browned chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners, and delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Sauté Bell Pepper: Add the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the pot; if store-bought, no pre-cooking is needed as it will cook in the liquid.
- Pour Chicken Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, ensuring gnocchi is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to cook the gnocchi and absorb flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Remove the lid and add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Gently stir to combine.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to create a rich and creamy texture.
- Simmer Again: Let the dish simmer for another 3-4 minutes for the spinach to wilt and tomatoes to soften. Add red pepper flakes now if using for a spicy kick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce adding extra flavor and creaminess.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the gnocchi chicken mixture in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors will deepen over time.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice hint of heat if desired.
- Fresh basil garnish enhances flavor and presentation but can be omitted if unavailable.
