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Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi recipe features tender, seasoned chicken thighs cooked to perfection and combined with pillowy potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting skillet meal offers a perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp salted butter, divided
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (dry)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Dice the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place in a bowl. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then toss everything together until well coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to brown on one side. Stir and continue browning for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the leftover fat. Sauté for about 2 minutes until onions soften and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Brown the Gnocchi: Add the dry gnocchi and 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to brown slightly.
  5. Cook Spinach and Hydrate Gnocchi: Add fresh spinach and vegetable broth to the skillet. Cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi absorbs the liquid.
  6. Add Cream and Butter: Pour in the heavy cream along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the cream is hot but not boiling.
  7. Create the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, velvety sauce.
  8. Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix it into the gnocchi and cream sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs with skin removed or bone-in, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a deeper savory taste.
  • If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach thawed and drained can be used.
  • To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
  • Ensure not to overcook gnocchi as it can become mushy; it should be tender but intact.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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