Creamy One-Pot Gnocchi with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and sure to become a family favorite.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound of 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
Seasoning & Liquids
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Gather ingredients: Collect all ingredients to ensure a smooth and easy cooking process.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook bell pepper: Add diced red bell pepper and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Add to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add gnocchi: Add gnocchi directly to the pot without pre-cooking.
- Pour chicken broth: Pour in chicken broth, making sure the gnocchi is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to cook the gnocchi and meld flavors.
- Add tomatoes and spinach: Remove lid and stir in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach gently.
- Add heavy cream: Pour in heavy cream and stir well, incorporating it completely into the mixture.
- Simmer again: Let the dish simmer for 3-4 minutes more to wilt the spinach and soften the tomatoes.
- Add red pepper flakes: If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and stir to combine.
- Season to taste: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Rest and thicken: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and gnocchi mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors will intensify overnight.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Keywords: gnocchi, chicken, creamy chicken gnocchi, one pot meal, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe, Italian chicken recipe