Cajun Chicken Gnocchi
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
611 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Cajun Chicken Gnocchi
Description
This recipe starts by marinating chicken breast pieces in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and sugar to enhance juiciness and add a subtle hint of sweetness. The chicken is then cooked briefly alongside sautéed onions and red bell peppers, building a flavorful base. Garlic is added for aroma before pouring in chicken broth, heavy cream, and additional Cajun spices, creating a creamy, spicy sauce.
Uncooked potato gnocchi is added to the simmering sauce and cooked covered to allow the gnocchi to absorb the sauce and soften. Finishing touches include grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, rich note and fresh spinach leaves stirred in to wilt slightly, balancing the spiciness with mild green freshness.
The dish is a rich, flavorful one-pan meal, blending the pillowy texture of gnocchi with spicy, creamy sauce and tender chicken, suitable for satisfying dinners. Using dried gnocchi helps it hold shape during cooking, while freshly grated Parmesan improves sauce texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (see note 2)
- 2 chicken breast see note 3, large
For the Gnocchi
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion , chopped (see note 4)
- 1 red bell pepper , chopped (see note 5)
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see note 1)
- 1.1 lb potato gnocchi see note 6, uncooked
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese see note 7, grated
- 1 cup spinach fresh leaves
Instructions
For the chicken
- Mix the olive oil, cajun seasoning, and sugar in a non-metallic bowl.2 tbsp olive oil3 tbsp cajun seasoning1 tbsp sugar
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and add it to the marinade.2 large chicken breasts
- Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes, but it can sit for 24-36 hours.
To cook the dish
- Heat the oil in a high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and peppers, then cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.2 tbsp olive oil1 onion1 red bell pepper
- Add the chunks of chicken and cook for 3 minutes over high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, then add in the broth, cream, and cajun seasonings, stir well to combine, and bring to a simmer.4 cloves garlic1 cup / 240 ml low sodium chicken broth½ cup / 125 ml heavy cream1 ½ tsp cajun seasoning
- Add the gnocchi, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.1.1 lb / 500 g uncooked potato gnocchi
- Uncover the pan, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir gently to melt into the sauce.½ cup grated parmesan
- Remove from the heat, stir in the fresh spinach leaves, taste your sauce, and season to taste. Serve immediately.1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Notes
- Homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning can be used according to your taste preference.
- Sugar helps retain chicken juiciness and balances the spice but can be omitted if preferred.
- Chicken thighs may substitute breast but require slightly longer cooking.
- Any onion variety may be used; red onion adds sweetness, but white or yellow also work well.
- Use dried gnocchi for best texture in one-pan cooking; it absorbs sauce without falling apart.
- Freshly grate Parmesan from a block for smoother sauce texture, avoiding graininess from pre-grated options.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 611 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 611kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 750mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 609mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 5214IU | 104% |
| Vitamin C | 44mg | 49% |
| Calcium | 198mg | 20% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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