Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

$- 1 lb (450g) gnocchi - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gnocchi is the star here. You can buy it or make it. I love fresh gnocchi. It has such a nice texture. Chicken adds protein and flavor. Cut it into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly. Garlic brings a strong aroma. It pairs well with the sweet tomatoes. I like to use cherry tomatoes for their burst of flavor. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts down quickly, which is great. - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. It coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Use fresh grated cheese for the best taste. Italian seasoning blends herbs like basil and oregano. It adds depth to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Fresh basil leaves - Additional cheese for serving Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish. They add a nice pop of color too. I often sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish. It makes everything even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the top. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, they are done. Drain them and set them aside. For the chicken, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the skillet and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Now, in the same skillet, add the minced garlic and the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. You want the tomatoes soft and the garlic fragrant. Next, add the fresh spinach. Stir it in until it wilts. Then, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the gnocchi along with the Italian seasoning. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed and heated through. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy dish! When it comes to gnocchi, you can choose between store-bought or homemade. If you use store-bought gnocchi, look for high-quality options that cook quickly. Boil it in salted water until it floats, which takes about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer homemade, use a simple mix of potatoes and flour. Roll the dough into small pieces, then shape them with a fork for that classic look. Homemade gnocchi may take a bit longer to prepare, but the flavor is worth it. To make your dish pop, add spices and herbs. I love using Italian seasoning, which blends well with the creamy sauce. You can also try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the flavor. Experiment with garlic powder or onion powder if you want extra depth. A dash of lemon juice can also add a refreshing twist. Presentation can elevate your meal. Serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can make it look even more inviting. For a gourmet touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil around the plate. This adds flavor and makes your dish look restaurant-worthy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes enhance the flavor of the dish significantly, giving it a vibrant taste and texture. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth, while still maintaining a delicious flavor. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet for the best browning. Gnocchi Cooking Tip: If using store-bought gnocchi, check the package for recommended cooking times, as they can vary between brands. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Use about 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Sauté it until pink, then set aside. For sausage, choose Italian sausage for a spicy kick. Cook it until browned, then slice it before adding it to your dish. Both options keep the meal exciting and tasty. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with tofu or extra veggies. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove water, then cut it into cubes. Sauté until golden. You can also add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies add color and flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy a rich, creamy meal. Want to change up the flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or different cheeses. Sun-dried tomatoes give a tangy sweetness. Chop them and mix them in during the garlic step. For cheese, try goat cheese or feta for a unique taste. Each twist makes the dish your own and keeps everyone guessing what’s next! To keep your leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi fresh, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to throw it away. Reheating this dish can be tricky. You want to keep the gnocchi creamy. To do this, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth. Stir gently until it's warmed through. This helps maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the gnocchi tough or dry. Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi is possible but requires care. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Use parchment paper between layers if you stack them. Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly to keep it creamy. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just boil them directly from the freezer. Cook them in salted boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until they float. This shows they are done. Drain and set them aside. Using frozen gnocchi is easy and saves time. To avoid sauce separation, use heavy cream. Heat it gently and stir well. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream. Keep the heat low, and add the cream slowly. Mixing in the Parmesan cheese helps create a smooth texture. Using fresh ingredients also helps maintain creaminess. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi pairs well with several side dishes. Consider serving with a simple green salad. A fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing adds a nice touch. Garlic bread is another great choice, perfect for dipping. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complement this dish well. We explored how to create a delicious creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi dish. We covered key ingredients like gnocchi, chicken, and seasonings. I shared tips for cooking the gnocchi and preparing the chicken. You learned about variations, like protein swaps and vegetarian options. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating tips. Enjoy making this meal your own. With practice, you’ll master it and impress everyone!$

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, chicken, and fresh vegetables in a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the gnocchi, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Once heated, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese on top for an inviting look.

Keyword chicken, creamy, gnocchi, pasta, Tuscan