Oh, how I adore a cozy kitchen on a crisp evening, with the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air—it’s like a warm hug. This creamy chicken gnocchi dish is pure magic, like a comforting melody that plays just for you. It’s as if a gentle culinary symphony unfolds, with each bite a note of creamy, savory perfection.
Steps
- Begin by cutting 1.25 pounds of chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3 minutes without stirring, until it’s nicely browned. Turn the pieces over and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove the chicken from the skillet, leaving any rendered fat behind.
- Add a diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add 1 pound of dry potato gnocchi and 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the skillet. Cook the gnocchi for 2 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly.
- Pour in 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi absorbs the broth.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and an additional tablespoon of salted butter. Heat the mixture until the butter melts and the cream is hot but not boiling, to prevent curdling when cheese is added.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese until it melts, creating a smooth sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently combine it with the gnocchi and cream sauce. Optionally, garnish with parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs chicken thighs (4 to 5 thighs)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 Tbsp salted butter, divided
- 1 lb dry potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3024 kcal | Carbohydrates: 188 g | Protein: 128 g | Fat: 200 g | Sodium: 4744 mg | Fiber: 16 g
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
- Yes, you can replace chicken thighs with chicken breast. However, be careful not to overcook the breast, as it can become dry. You may also substitute with Italian sausage and skip the seasoning.
- What types of gnocchi can I use for this recipe?
- You can use frozen or fresh gnocchi, but the recipe suggests dried gnocchi as a more economical option that also saves freezer space. You can find them in the pasta section of your grocery store.
- Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and replace the butter with a vegan alternative. For the Parmesan, consider using nutritional yeast, but note that the sauce will be looser.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave until the dish is steaming. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce can become grainy upon thawing.
- What are some good side dishes to pair with this meal?
- Given its richness, a simple side salad or a Panzanella pairs well with this dish. For those who enjoy indulgence, garlic bread is an excellent option to soak up the creamy sauce, and it also counts as a vegetable!
Tips
- Choose the Right Gnocchi: Opt for dried gnocchi as they are more economical and easy to store in your pantry compared to fresh or frozen options. They also maintain a firm texture when cooked.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken Breast: If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy. Alternatively, you can use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Mind the Cream Sauce Temperature: When adding heavy cream to the skillet, ensure it doesn’t reach boiling point to prevent curdling, especially when you incorporate the cheese for the sauce.
- Substitute Options for Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, consider using full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream and vegan butter instead of regular butter. Nutritional yeast can substitute Parmesan, though it may result in a looser sauce.
Equipment
- Deep Stainless Steel Skillet – A large, deep skillet is essential for this one-pot meal to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably while cooking.
