Welcome to this delightful journey of creating a rich and comforting Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi! This recipe is an ideal pick for a cozy meal, combining tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy spinach sauce. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make, deliciously creamy dishes, this is the perfect one to try.
Introduction
The Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves comforting, easy-to-make meals. This dish brings together soft potato gnocchi, succulent chicken thighs, and a creamy, cheesy spinach sauce that envelops everything in a warm, velvety texture. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to serve something truly indulgent.
This recipe is not just delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying dinner in less than 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken with the slight chewiness of gnocchi and the rich cream sauce is sure to make it a family favorite.
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- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix: Easy & Tasty
Ingredients
To recreate this creamy goodness at home, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package of potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 pounds (650g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (125ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Gluten-free gnocchi can be used to cater to gluten sensitivity.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Gnocchi
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Step2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side), ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, and cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella until combined and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach has wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, red chili pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: While packaged gnocchi works, using fresh gnocchi will elevate the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichokes for added depth.
- Customize the Heat: Add more chili flakes if you like it spicier!
Cooking
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This will help distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooking can make the gnocchi mushy, so keep an eye on it while boiling.
- Rest the Chicken Before Cutting: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a fresh, crisp salad like a Caesar salad or serve it alongside some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, would complement the creaminess of the sauce perfectly.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 680
- Fats: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Proteins: 37g
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin A and Calcium
Nutritional info for Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi: This dish provides a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and fats, making it both satisfying and nourishing.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan and gently warm over medium heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the gnocchi rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Unfortunately, gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
- What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese.
Related Recipes
Check out these delicious chicken recipes from Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to try it out and share your own twist on the recipe in the comments below. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones!
For more exciting recipes and culinary tips, explore our related posts at Optimal Recipes.
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Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi Recipe – Ultimate Comfort Food
Description
Welcome to this delightful journey of creating a rich and comforting Creamy Spinach Chicken Gnocchi! This recipe is an ideal pick for a cozy meal, combining tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy spinach sauce. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make, deliciously creamy dishes, this is the perfect one to try.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package of potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 pounds (650g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (125ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Gluten-free gnocchi can be used to cater to gluten sensitivity.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side), ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, and cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella until combined and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach has wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan, red chili pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Gnocchi: While packaged gnocchi works, using fresh gnocchi will elevate the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichokes for added depth.
- Customize the Heat: Add more chili flakes if you like it spicier!
