Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

$- Chicken and Gnocchi You need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook fast and evenly. For the gnocchi, use 1 pound of store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi. The gnocchi adds a nice chewy texture to the dish. - Cream and Seasonings For the sauce, grab 1 cup of heavy cream. This gives the dish its rich and creamy texture. You also need ½ cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. It adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend, which includes oregano, basil, and thyme. Finally, season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - Additional vegetables or spices You can add more vegetables if you like. Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms work well. They add flavor and texture. You can also use crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat. - Garnishes and enhancements Fresh basil leaves add a beautiful touch. Tear them and sprinkle on top before serving. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness or more cheese for extra flavor. To cook the gnocchi, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is important. Salt adds flavor to the gnocchi as they cook. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Watch them closely. They will float to the top when done, usually in 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are ready. Drain them thoroughly in a colander. To prevent sticking, toss them lightly in olive oil. For searing the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. Watch as they soften and release their juices. Then, add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir to mix with the garlic and tomatoes. Gradually add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi! To achieve the right creaminess in your sauce, use heavy cream. It creates a rich and smooth texture. Make sure to lower the heat when adding it. This prevents the cream from curdling. Stir gently to combine the cream with the other ingredients. To avoid overcooked gnocchi, watch the cooking time closely. Gnocchi cooks quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. When they float, they are ready. Drain them right away to stop the cooking process. For seasoning, use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Italian seasoning adds depth but feel free to adjust it. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano enhance the flavor. Dried herbs can work too, but fresh herbs offer a brighter taste. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice. This gives a bright note to the creamy sauce. You can also toss in red pepper flakes for some heat. A large skillet is best for this recipe. It allows the chicken and sauce to cook evenly. Choose a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking. A big pot works well for boiling gnocchi. Use a wooden spoon for stirring. It helps combine the ingredients without scratching your skillet. A sharp knife is great for dicing chicken and garlic. Lastly, always have measuring cups handy for the cream and cheese. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Try using shrimp or sliced sausage. Both add great flavor and texture. If you want a vegetarian dish, use mushrooms or tofu. They soak up the creamy sauce well and make a filling meal. You can change the sauce by adding different cheeses. For a richer taste, try goat cheese or feta. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or almond milk. Both work well in this dish. Explore sauces from different regions too. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives can give it a Mediterranean twist. For gnocchi, you have choices. Store-bought potato gnocchi saves time. If you feel adventurous, make your own. Homemade gnocchi has a soft texture that shines in this dish. You can also use other pasta types. Penne or fusilli work nicely if you don’t have gnocchi. Each option makes the dish unique! After making creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container. Place the container in your fridge. This meal stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir between each interval for even heating. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. To make homemade gnocchi, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 pounds of potatoes - 1 cup of all-purpose flour - 1 egg - A pinch of salt 1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender. Let them cool. 2. Mash the Potatoes: Peel and mash the potatoes in a bowl. 3. Mix Ingredients: Add flour, egg, and salt to the mashed potatoes. 4. Knead the Dough: Gently knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough. 5. Shape the Gnocchi: Roll the dough into ropes, then cut into small pieces. 6. Create the Shape: Use a fork to press down on each piece for texture. 7. Cook the Gnocchi: Boil in salted water until they float, usually 2-3 minutes. Homemade gnocchi can be a fun project. You’ll enjoy the fresh taste in your dishes. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. It saves time and is easy to cook. Here’s how: 1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add Gnocchi: Drop the frozen gnocchi directly into the boiling water. 3. Cook Until Floated: Cook for about 3-5 minutes. They are done when they float. 4. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water. Frozen gnocchi works well in many recipes. It keeps the meal quick and simple. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, there are a few options. Here are some great choices: - Coconut cream - Cashew cream - Soy milk mixed with cornstarch - Almond milk with a bit of olive oil These options can still give a creamy texture. Just remember to adjust the quantity for taste. To check if your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Here’s what to do: 1. Check the Temperature: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. 2. Look for 165°F: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 3. Check for Juices: Cut into the chicken. If the juices run clear, it is done. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Avoid undercooked chicken for health reasons. This blog post covered how to make a delicious chicken and gnocchi dish. We went through the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You can customize this meal with different proteins and sauces. Remember, storing and reheating leftovers well keeps your meal tasty. Follow these steps, and you will enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish. I hope this guide helps you create a meal that impresses your family and friends. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi recipe! This dish brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a rich cream sauce, all served over pillowy gnocchi. Perfect for dinner any night of the week, it's easy to make and full of flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and transform your meal time into a delicious Italian feast!

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise

2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade, preferably potato gnocchi)

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done (usually 2-3 minutes). Drain thoroughly and set aside in a bowl.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Add Spinach: Gently stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, or until wilted and bright green. The residual heat will help the spinach to wilt perfectly.

Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Combine Chicken and Gnocchi: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Gently fold them into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Plating: Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi warm in shallow bowls or on a large platter. Garnish generously with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4