Description
This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender, juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich and flavorful sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare yet packed with hearty, satisfying flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Gnocchi
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is ready at hand.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, making sure to stir frequently to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Cook Bell Peppers: Add the diced red bell pepper and continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper has softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Add Gnocchi and Broth: Without pre-cooking, add the gnocchi to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well to ensure the gnocchi is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Gnocchi: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to cook and soak up the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Remove the lid and gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
- Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine and create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Season: Allow the dish to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the gnocchi and chicken mixture into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if using. 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. The flavors will meld and intensify.
- To reheat, warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.