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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe features tender chicken thighs seasoned with Italian herbs and smoked paprika, sautéed to perfection and combined with pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a comforting and flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.25 lbs chicken thighs (4 to 5 thighs), diced into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Dairy & Broth

  • 2 Tbsp salted butter, divided
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (dry)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Dice the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. When shimmering, add the chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust. Stir and brown the other side for about 3 more minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Brown the Gnocchi: Add the dry potato gnocchi and 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to brown slightly for added texture and flavor.
  5. Add Spinach and Broth: Stir in fresh spinach and vegetable broth. Cover the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi hydrates, becoming tender.
  6. Create the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the cream is steaming hot but not boiling, ensuring a smooth and creamy sauce.
  7. Melt in Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a velvety, cheesy sauce.
  8. Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix into the creamy gnocchi and spinach sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing onion and garlic.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
  • Use fresh gnocchi if available, adjusting hydration time accordingly.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, omit chicken and increase vegetable broth and spinach.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/creamy-chicken-and-gnocchi-recipe/