Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Ultimate Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Bowl: Quick Dinner in 30 Min
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf stable or refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5 7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Cook according to package directions, usually 2 3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 2 minutes, until it wilts into the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth. You can substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich. A large skillet or Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
You are going to adore this `creamy chicken gnocchi bowl` recipe for so many wonderful reasons. Firstly, it offers unparalleled comfort. Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach all swimming in a rich, velvety sauce. It is truly a balm for the soul. Beyond comfort, its speed makes it an ideal weeknight dinner solution. You can have a gourmet tasting meal on your table in under 30 minutes. The flavors are perfectly balanced, a harmonious blend of savory chicken, creamy goodness, and subtle herbs. Finally, its ease of preparation means even beginner cooks can achieve impressive results. It is a recipe that looks and tastes fancy but demands very little from you, making it truly special.
Ingredients Needed for This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Gather these simple components to create your perfect creamy chicken gnocchi bowl:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi (shelf stable or refrigerated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Follow these easy steps to bring your delightful creamy chicken gnocchi bowl to life:
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5 7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 2. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds incredible flavor.
- 4. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- 5. Add the gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Cook according to package directions, usually 2 3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- 6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 2 minutes, until it wilts into the sauce.
- 7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Serve immediately.
How to Serve This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Your creamy chicken gnocchi bowl is best served piping hot in cozy, deep bowls. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley and a dash of extra Parmesan cheese over each serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess. A slice of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Consider a chilled glass of dry white wine to complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
To store your creamy chicken gnocchi bowl, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for gnocchi based dishes as the gnocchi can become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, freeze just the sauce without the gnocchi. To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Achieve perfection with your creamy chicken gnocchi bowl using these expert tips. For ingredient swaps, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more tenderness, or try smoked sausage for a richer flavor profile. Spinach can be swapped for kale or even frozen peas. For best results, do not overcook the gnocchi; they cook quickly once they float. Ensure your chicken is fully cooked but not dry. A pro tip: fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added with the Italian seasoning for an elevated aroma and taste. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the pan when browning chicken, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Helpful Notes for This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
When choosing your gnocchi, both shelf stable and refrigerated varieties work well in this creamy chicken gnocchi bowl. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary slightly. For a deeper flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream, though the texture will be less rich. A large, sturdy skillet or a Dutch oven with high sides will be your best friend for this recipe, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Variation of This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
Unleash your culinary creativity with these delightful variations for your creamy chicken gnocchi bowl. For a seasonal twist, add diced butternut squash or sweet potato along with the onions, cooking until tender before adding the broth. In spring, fresh asparagus tips or green peas are wonderful additions. To create a spicier version, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You can also explore different cheeses; a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan would be exquisite. For a vegetarian take, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or cannellini beans. This adaptable dish is truly as versatile as any `chicken gnocchi soup recipe`, allowing for endless customization.
FAQs About This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl Recipe
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Conclusion
This creamy chicken gnocchi bowl is an invitation to cozy up with a truly satisfying meal that delivers on both flavor and comfort. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to share with loved ones. I truly hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Do give it a try, and let me know your thoughts or any creative twists you add in the comments below!
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