Description
This creamy chicken and gnocchi one-pot dish combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in a rich, flavorful sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream. It’s an easy, comforting recipe perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty yet simple meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, adding diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add to the pot and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add Gnocchi and Broth: Stir in gnocchi (no need to pre-cook if store-bought), then pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the gnocchi is submerged, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and soak up flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Remove lid and stir in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach gently to combine.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to incorporate and create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Let the dish simmer uncovered for another 3-4 minutes, until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. Add red pepper flakes now if you desire heat.
- Season and Cheese: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy chicken and gnocchi into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; flavors will deepen over time.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
