Introduction
Chicken has long been a staple in many cuisines around the world, cherished for its versatility and mild flavor. In this delicious recipe, we’ll prepare tender chicken breasts paired with creamy gnocchi, aromatic shallots, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s an easy dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table and is sure to please the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (such as McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
Gnocchi
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
12 ounces store-bought gnocchi
2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
1/2 cup cream
1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
Finishers
salt and pepper, to taste
fresh thyme, to taste
grated Parmesan, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts, adjusting the seasoning as necessary for even coverage. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the additional olive oil, sliced shallots, and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the shallots are golden and softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
Next, stir in the gnocchi and chicken broth, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes until the gnocchi become tender. Then, pour in the cream and add the torn spinach leaves, stirring to combine as it simmers on low heat for a few additional minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finally, season the dish with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the creamy sauce.
To serve, plate the chicken alongside a generous helping of the creamy gnocchi, drizzling some extra sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor, and enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Chicken Preparation
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the 1 lb. of chicken breasts on both sides with your choice of seasoning, ensuring even coverage. You may need more than 1 tablespoon of seasoning for thorough coating. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil, along with the thinly sliced or minced shallots and the drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the shallots are golden and softened.
Cook Gnocchi
Add 12 ounces of store-bought gnocchi to the skillet along with 2 cups of chicken broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
Add Cream and Spinach
Stir in 1/2 cup of cream and 1 cup of packed spinach leaves that have been torn into smaller pieces. Mix well and maintain a low simmer for a few minutes to help thicken the sauce.
Season and Combine
Season the dish with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to your taste preferences. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine everything gently.
Serve
To serve, place pieces of chicken on a plate alongside a scoop of the creamy gnocchi. Drizzle a spoonful of the extra sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan either on top or stirred into the sauce for enhanced flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider using DeLallo tomato bruschetta instead of sun-dried tomatoes, as it offers a juicier consistency. For the broth, using Better Than Bouillon chicken base mixed with water yields a richer flavor. Typically, 1 heaping tablespoon mixed with about 2 cups of water provides the best results.
Cook techniques
Cooking Chicken Breasts
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165 degrees F). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing Shallots and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add olive oil, thinly sliced shallots, and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until shallots are golden and softened.
Cooking Gnocchi
Add store-bought gnocchi and chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
Making Cream Sauce
Incorporate cream and torn spinach into the skillet, stirring to combine. Keep the mixture at a low simmer to thicken the sauce.
Seasoning and Combining
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan to combine.
Serving
Serve the chicken with a scoop of creamy gnocchi and a spoonful of the sauce over the top. Finish with grated Parmesan for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use tomato bruschetta or fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer a juicier option.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, other types of bite-sized pasta, like orzo or small shells, can work as a substitute.
How can I make the dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme can be used in a pinch; however, use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy gnocchi dish with seasoned chicken offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures, making it an easy yet impressive meal. The combination of succulent chicken, tender gnocchi, and rich cream sauce, enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creates a satisfying dinner that will delight your taste buds. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy risotto made with Arborio rice, sautéed chicken, and earthy mushrooms, finished with Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Chicken Piccata
Pan-seared chicken breasts in a lemony caper sauce served with capellini or on a bed of fresh arugula for a bright, flavorful meal.
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Shredded chicken cooked in a spicy adobo sauce, served in warm tortillas with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro for vibrant tacos.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry
Quick stir-fried chicken pieces tossed with broccoli, bell peppers, and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce served over rice or noodles.
Chicken Cacciatore
A classic Italian dish featuring chicken simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives, served with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the sauce.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, served with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables, ideal for a light and healthy meal.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with tender pieces of chicken and steamed broccoli, perfect for a comforting meal option.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Shredded buffalo chicken cheese melted between tortillas, served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked until golden for a hearty and flavorful option.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a tortilla for a portable and satisfying lunch choice.
