Description
This creamy chicken gnocchi recipe offers a delightful, rich and comforting meal featuring tender cubed chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto and Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy stovetop dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies with its hearty flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 pound gnocchi (1 package)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the cubed chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 8-12 minutes until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove chicken from the pan and transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same Dutch oven, stir together the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, shredded Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the sauce in the pan, then cover with a lid. Let cook for approximately 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Add the chicken and wilt spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the fresh spinach. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and heated through.
Notes
- Use cubed chicken breasts for even cooking and tender bites.
- Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling when combined with the broth.
- Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a robust flavor—if unavailable, substitute with regular pesto for a greener taste.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it just before finishing to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- This dish can be made in any wide, heavy-bottomed pan if a Dutch oven is not available.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American