Description
Creamy chicken gnocchi skillet brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats tender potato dumplings and juicy chicken. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Skillet Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) potato gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup white mushrooms, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Garnish (Optional):
- Red pepper chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken thighs with aromatic paprika, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing butter or ghee to create a golden searing environment for the seasoned chicken.
- Cook chicken thighs approximately 5-7 minutes per side until perfectly caramelized and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet’s flavorful remnants to sauté diced onions and mushrooms, allowing them to soften and develop rich caramelization.
- Introduce minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring briefly to release their intense aromatic qualities.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned essence from the skillet’s surface to integrate deep, complex flavors.
- Slowly incorporate half-and-half or heavy cream, creating a luxurious base while continuously stirring to prevent separation.
- Melt shredded mozzarella into the liquid, whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
- Gently fold cooked gnocchi and fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing spinach to delicately wilt and absorb surrounding flavors.
- Reintroduce seared chicken thighs, nestling them into the gnocchi and sauce to reheat and harmonize the dish’s elements.
- Simmer briefly to marry all ingredients and intensify the overall flavor profile.
- Optionally garnish with red pepper chili flakes and fresh parsley for a vibrant, elevated presentation.
- Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and creamy texture.
Notes
- Customize the chicken seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun or herbs de Provence for a flavor twist.
- Choose high-quality, thick-cut chicken thighs to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent drying out during cooking.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient-packed alternative that adds different texture and earthy undertones.
- Reduce overall dairy content by using lighter cream alternatives like coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a healthier version that still maintains creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg