One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is a delightful culinary creation that brings together the comforting flavors of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a single, easy-to-make meal. As someone who loves to explore diverse cuisines, I find this dish to be a perfect representation of Italian comfort food, combining simplicity with rich flavors. The history of gnocchi dates back to ancient Rome, where it was made from a variety of ingredients, but today, it has evolved into a beloved staple in many households around the world.
People adore this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish not only for its incredible taste and texture but also for its convenience. With minimal cleanup and a quick cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The creamy sauce envelops the gnocchi and chicken, creating a satisfying meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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 spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 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
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- 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.
- 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!
- Next, toss in the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and half of 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.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
Adding the Gnocchi and Broth
- Now it’s time to add the gnocchi! Pour the gnocchi into the pot and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to it. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Incorporating Cream and Spinach
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. This will give the dish a rich and creamy texture.
- Add the spinach to the pot. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it beforehand. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the remaining dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Finishing Touches
- Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient: the grated Parmesan cheese! Stir it in until it melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.
- Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. The gnocchi should be tender and the sauce should be thickened slightly.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. If you have fresh basil, chop some up and sprinkle it on top for a burst of freshness.
Serving the Dish
- Serve the one-pot gnocchi chicken dish hot, directly from the pot. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion:
In summary, this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily swap out the chicken for your favorite protein, add in seasonal vegetables, or even experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. I encourage you to give this One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish a try and see how it can transform your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or a group of friends, this dish is bound to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with! I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Happy cooking! PrintOne Pot Gnocchi Chicken Dish: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pot gnocchi chicken dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale- 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 spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 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
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- 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.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Toss in the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and half of 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.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Pour the gnocchi into the pot and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to it.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the spinach to the pot. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it beforehand. Stir until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the remaining dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi and chicken.
- Let the dish simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the pot from the heat. If you have fresh basil, chop some up and sprinkle it on top for a burst of freshness.
- Serve the one-pot gnocchi chicken dish hot, directly from the pot. For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Pair with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or another protein of your choice and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes