Recipe Description:

This creamy chicken and gnocchi dish is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family!

Full 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
– 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)

Full Instructions:

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Next, toss in the diced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens.
5. Now, it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and the dried oregano and basil. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the gnocchi. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, there’s no need to pre-cook it; it will cook perfectly in the pot.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Make sure the gnocchi is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to cook and absorb all those delicious flavors.
9. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
10. Next, pour in the heavy cream. This will give the dish a rich and creamy texture. Stir well to incorporate the cream into the mixture.
11. Let the dish simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. If you like a bit of heat, now is the time to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
12. Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
13. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt into the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
14. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly.
15. To serve, ladle the gnocchi chicken mixture into bowls. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
16. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the ease of this one-pot meal!

Notes:

– If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
– To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Yield:

4 servings