One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Delight

$- 1 lb diced chicken breast - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium diced onion - 3 minced garlic cloves - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 16 oz potato gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh spinach - Seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper) - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh parsley for garnish In this recipe, the chicken breast is the star. I like to use fresh, diced chicken because it cooks quickly. Olive oil adds richness and helps to sauté the chicken and vegetables. The onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that pairs well with the cream. Chicken broth is key for the sauce. Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish balanced. The gnocchi gives a comforting, pillowy texture. I always choose store-bought gnocchi for convenience, but feel free to make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! The heavy cream creates that rich, creamy sauce we love. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. For seasoning, I rely on Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the flavors pop. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It finishes the dish with a salty, nutty bite. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a bright touch for garnish. These ingredients come together to create a hearty one-pot meal. You'll find it easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown. - Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside in a bowl. - In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion. - Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. - Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will add a nice flavor to the dish. - Carefully pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. - Scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in any brown bits. This adds flavor! - Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. - Add 16 ounces of potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. - Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. They are done when they float to the top. - Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Mix thoroughly and let the sauce thicken for about 2-3 minutes. - Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. - Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the chicken heats through, about 2-3 minutes. - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. - Once combined and creamy, remove the pot from heat. - Serve the dish in deep bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. This makes for a warm and inviting meal! To get a thick and creamy sauce, start with the right amount of heavy cream. If you want it thicker, let it simmer longer. This helps the sauce reduce and become rich. You can also add a bit of grated cheese to boost the creaminess. If you need alternatives to heavy cream, try using half-and-half or coconut cream. Both can give a nice texture without the extra calories. Silken tofu blended into a smooth paste can also work well for a dairy-free option. How do you know when gnocchi is done? Watch for them to float to the top of the pot. This means they are ready to eat. Cook gnocchi according to the package. Usually, it takes about 2-3 minutes. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the time. If you leave them too long, they can become mushy. Always taste a piece to check for the right texture. For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They can brighten up the dish. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spice kick. When choosing ingredients, using homemade broth can enhance the taste. But store-bought chicken broth works just fine for ease. Always opt for low-sodium options to control the saltiness. Pro Tips Choose the Right Gnocchi: For a better texture, opt for fresh potato gnocchi over shelf-stable varieties, which may have a denser consistency. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference; you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter dish. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Perfect Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving; a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp or sausage work great. They add a nice twist. If you want a meatless option, try mushrooms or tofu. They soak up flavor well and keep it creamy. The sauce can change based on your taste. You can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a different flavor. Adding sauces like pesto or hot sauce can spice things up. Try herbs like basil or thyme for extra depth. Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Bell peppers and carrots add color and crunch. You can also use whole wheat gnocchi for more fiber. This makes the dish healthier without losing flavor. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing it. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label your container with the date. You can freeze One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream to help with the texture. Cooking in batches makes weeknight meals easier. Prepare a large pot of One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi. Portion it into single servings for quick meals. This way, you can enjoy a hearty dish any night without cooking from scratch. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prepare in advance, follow these tips: - Cook and cool the dish completely before storing. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it. If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use other pasta. Here are some options: - Small shells - Penne - Orzo For a gluten-free option, try: - Gluten-free pasta - Cauliflower gnocchi To keep that creamy texture, reheat carefully. Here are the best methods: - Stove: Pour the leftovers into a pot. Heat over low, stirring often until warm. - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Both methods work well, but the stove keeps the creaminess better. This blog explored making One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi. We discussed the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and storage options to keep meals fresh. This dish is simple and tasty. You can mix and match ingredients to fit your tastes. Whether you have leftovers or prep in advance, this meal fits any schedule. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with your friends and family!$

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Delight

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, gnocchi, and creamy spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought for convenience)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
to taste Salt and pepper
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside in a bowl.
In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the potato gnocchi into the simmering broth. Follow the package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating that they are cooked.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through, roughly 2-3 minutes.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired to enhance the flavors.
Once everything is well combined and has a creamy consistency, remove the pot from heat.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Keyword chicken, creamy, gnocchi, one-pot