Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
User Reviews
4.7
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning diced chicken thighs with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then browning them in oil. Onion and garlic are sautéed in the reserved fat for flavor. Potato gnocchi and butter are browned briefly before adding fresh spinach and vegetable broth. The pan is covered to wilt the spinach and hydrate the gnocchi. Heavy cream and more butter finish the sauce, which is steamed gently until hot without boiling.
The combination produces tender chicken with a slightly smoky spice from the paprika, tender gnocchi with a slight sear, and fresh spinach folded into a luxurious creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan. The textured gnocchi contrasts with the velvety sauce and the juicy chicken.
This dish works as a complete meal on its own, pairing well with simple sides like a crisp salad or steamed vegetables. It offers a creamy, filling option for home cooking that balances protein, starch, and greens.
Notes suggest using chicken breast cautiously to avoid dryness or substituting Italian sausage. Frozen or fresh gnocchi can replace dried, and dairy-free options include coconut cream and vegan butter or nutritional yeast for sauce flavor and texture adjustments.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs chicken thigh $4.23, 4 to 5 pieces
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning $0.30
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.04
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
- 2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.08, generic cooking oil
- 1 medium yellow onion $0.32, diced
- 2 garlic $0.11, cloves
- 2 Tbsp butter $0.30, salted, divided
- 1 lb potato gnocchi $1.13, dry
- 2 cups spinach $0.60, fresh
- 1 cup vegetable broth $0.08
- 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.71
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese $0.44
Instructions
- Dice the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces. Add the chicken to a bowl and top it with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Once it's shimmering, add the chicken and cook undisturbed until well browned, about 3 minutes. Stir and brown on the other side, about 3 more minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan when it's cooked through and leave the fat in the pan.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Saute until the onions have softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes
- Add the gnocchi and 1 tablespoon salted butter to the skillet and brown for 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach and the broth to the skillet. Cover the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the gnocchi has hydrated.
- Add the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter has melted and the cream is steaming hot but not boiling.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Add the parmesan to the pan and stir until it melts, creating a velvety sauce.
- Finally, return the cooked diced chicken to the skillet. Mix gently into the gnocchi and cream sauce. If desired, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Chicken breast can substitute thighs but must be carefully cooked to avoid dryness.
- Italian sausage may be used in place of seasoned chicken thighs, omitting added seasoning.
- Dried gnocchi is economical; frozen or fresh gnocchi can be used if preferred.
- Heavy cream and butter can be replaced with full-fat coconut cream and vegan butter for dairy-free versions.
- Nutritional yeast can substitute cheese for dairy-free diets, but sauce consistency will be thinner.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 756 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.25cups | |
| Calories | 756kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 50g | 77% |
| Sodium | 1186mg | 49% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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