Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken pieces, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Ready in just 25 minutes, this skillet meal combines savory flavors and fresh baby spinach for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the gnocchi become tender.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined, enriching the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until they wilt into the creamy sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce. Remove the pan from heat and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- You can use store-bought gnocchi or homemade potato gnocchi for best results.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste before serving.
- Baby spinach can be substituted with fresh kale or arugula for variation.
- To enhance smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika as listed.
