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- 1 pound gnocchi - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Gnocchi is the star here. It cooks quickly and adds a nice chewy texture. You can find it in most grocery stores. I use 1 pound, which serves about four people. The chicken provides protein and absorbs the Cajun flavors well. I take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cajun seasoning is crucial. It brings that spicy, earthy flavor. I use 2 tablespoons, but you can adjust it to your taste. For the additional ingredients, olive oil helps to sear the chicken and sauté the veggies. I chop 1 medium onion and add 3 minced garlic cloves. These aromatics build a great base. Next, I dice 1 red bell pepper for sweetness and color. Heavy cream creates that rich sauce, while chicken broth adds depth. I usually grab 1 cup of each. Spinach offers a fresh touch and a pop of green. I chop 1 cup roughly. Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and flavor, so I use 1/2 cup grated. Lastly, salt and pepper to taste, plus fresh parsley for a bright garnish. With these ingredients, you will create a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and watch closely. They will float when they are done, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them aside. For the best texture, don’t overcook them. They should be soft but still have a slight bite. Next, season your chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is coated well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. The chicken should be juicy and flavorful. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent. This step builds great flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. The garlic should smell very fragrant but not burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom. This adds depth to your sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. This should take just a few minutes. The sauce will get rich and creamy. Now it’s time to put it all together. Add the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and gnocchi to the sauce. Stir well to combine. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and everything is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Serve your creamy Cajun chicken gnocchi hot. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Make sure to serve it warm for the best taste. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Adjusting spice levels: Start with two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This gives a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, use one tablespoon. For more spice, add another half tablespoon. Taste as you go to find your sweet spot. - Making a homemade Cajun seasoning: Mix these spices for a quick blend: one tablespoon paprika, one teaspoon garlic powder, one teaspoon onion powder, one teaspoon thyme, and a pinch of cayenne. This mix is fresh and full of flavor. You can tweak it based on what you like. - Common mistakes to avoid: Always cook gnocchi in salted boiling water. Don’t overcrowd the pot. This helps them cook evenly. Watch for the gnocchi to float. Once they do, they're ready. Finally, don’t overcook them, or they can turn mushy. - Alternative cooking methods: You can pan-fry cooked gnocchi for extra flavor. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and add the gnocchi. Cook until golden brown for a nice texture. - Substitutes for heavy cream: If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half. You can also mix milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. Another option is to use coconut cream for a unique twist. - Adding yogurt or cream cheese options: For a tangy flavor, stir in plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without too many calories. Cream cheese is another great choice. Just mix it into the sauce until it melts and thickens. Pro Tips Perfect Gnocchi Cooking: Always cook gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float to the top, indicating they are done. This ensures a light and fluffy texture. Chicken Browning: For best results, ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the skillet. This allows for proper browning and enhances flavor. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or add a bit of cream to tone down the heat without losing flavor. Fresh Spinach Addition: Add spinach towards the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients, ensuring it wilts perfectly without overcooking. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish to keep it fresh. - Shrimp: Use peeled shrimp instead of chicken. Cook them quickly in the skillet. They take about 3-4 minutes to turn pink. - Sausage: Try andouille or chicken sausage for a different flavor. Slice the sausage and cook it until browned. - Vegetarian Alternatives: Use mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based option. Both absorb flavors well and add great texture. If you need gluten-free, there are great options. - Gluten-Free Gnocchi Brands: Look for brands like Capello's or Buitoni. They offer tasty gluten-free gnocchi. - Alternative Thickening Methods: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Mix it with a bit of water before adding to the skillet. Adding more veggies can make this dish even better. - Options for Adding More Veggies: Try zucchini, broccoli, or peas. They add color and nutrients. - Seasonal Variations: Use seasonal veggies like asparagus in spring or squash in fall. They enhance the dish and make it unique. Store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Before using, check for any off smells or changes in texture. You can freeze this dish for later use. Place the cooled gnocchi mix in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to avoid mushy gnocchi. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through heating. This helps keep the texture just right. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It usually includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This mix gives dishes a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. It brings a fun kick to any meal, especially in this creamy dish. Yes, you can make Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi ahead of time. Cook the dish fully, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds a nice veggie touch. The spice level in this dish depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you like it mild, use less seasoning. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the heat. For more spice, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Yes, you can swap gnocchi for other pasta types. Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well in this creamy sauce. Just follow the cooking times on the package for the best texture. You can still enjoy the rich flavors with other pasta options! This blog post covers how to make a tasty dish with gnocchi, chicken, and Cajun spices. You learned about key ingredients, from veggies to cream, and how to cook each part step by step. I shared tips for perfecting flavors and avoiding mistakes. Remember, you can change the recipe with proteins or veggies you like and store leftovers properly. Enjoy creating your dish and experimenting with flavors. Each step helps you make your dinner special!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, chicken, and Cajun flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the cooked chicken, spinach, and gnocchi into the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, gnocchi, pasta