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Cajun Chicken Gnocchi

If you're craving a hearty and flavorful dish packed with a little kick, this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi is for you. Picture tender bites of chicken seared to perfection with a zesty blend of Cajun spices. And as if that weren't enough, we're pairing it with pillowy-soft gnocchi, just waiting to soak up all those rich, smoky flavors. It's a dish that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul with its robust flavors and comforting textures.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 611 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , Cajun

Ingredients

For the Chicken
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (see note 1)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (see note 2)
  • 2 large chicken breasts (see note 3)
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 low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (see note 1)
  • 1.1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi (see note 6)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan (see note 7)
  • 1 cup Fresh Spinach Leaves

Instructions

For the chicken
    Cup of Yum
  1. Mix the olive oil, cajun seasoning, and sugar in a non-metallic bowl.2 tbsp olive oil3 tbsp cajun seasoning1 tbsp sugar
  2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and add it to the marinade.2 large chicken breasts
  3. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes, but it can sit for 24-36 hours.
To cook the dish
  1. 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
  2. Add the chunks of chicken and cook for 3 minutes over high heat.
  3. 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
  4. Add the gnocchi, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.1.1 lb / 500 g uncooked potato gnocchi
  5. Uncover the pan, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes more.
  6. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir gently to melt into the sauce.½ cup grated parmesan
  7. 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

  • I use my homemade Cajun seasoning blend, which you can find here: Homemade Cajun Seasoning recipe. However, feel free to use any brand of Cajun seasoning that you enjoy.
  • You can use brown or white sugar. It enhances the juiciness of the chicken and gives it a great flavor, but you can leave it out.
  • Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs (3-4 thighs), but cook them for 6 minutes at step 2.
  • You can use white, brown, yellow, or red onion.
  • The recipe suggests red, but it is a personal preference, so use whatever color you prefer or have at home.
  • I recommend using dried gnocchi for one-pan meals, as it holds up well during cooking. You can easily find shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle of most major grocery stores.
  • For the best flavor and texture in your sauce, consider buying a block of parmesan and grating it yourself. Pre-grated parmesan can leave your sauce slightly grainy.

Nutrition Information

Calories 611kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 32g (49%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 15g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 81mg (27%) Sodium 750mg (31%) Potassium 609mg (17%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 5214IU (104%) Vitamin C 44mg (49%) Calcium 198mg (20%) Iron 7mg (39%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 611

% 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.