Pin Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Spinach & Parmesan Gnocchi with Chicken. Tender potato gnocchi and juicy shredded chicken are enveloped in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce with fresh spinach, making for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Pin This Italian-inspired dish serves four and provides a hearty balance of protein and pasta. With just 10 minutes of preparation, you can transform pantry staples like heavy cream and store-bought gnocchi into a gourmet dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Protein: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 250 g)
- Pasta: 500 g (18 oz) store-bought potato gnocchi
- Vegetables: 2 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Garnish: Freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the gnocchi cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4
- Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to warm through.
- Step 5
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Add the cooked gnocchi and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until the spinach wilts and the gnocchi is well coated with the sauce, about 2 minutes.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a time-saving shortcut, substitute rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken breast. If you want to add more flavor and texture, try sautéing a handful of sliced mushrooms along with the onion.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like peas or roasted red peppers. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free gnocchi, as standard store-bought varieties usually contain wheat.
Serviervorschläge
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy sauce. A glass of Pinot Grigio is the perfect wine accompaniment for this Italian-inspired meal.
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Whether you're hosting a dinner or just feeding the family, this Creamy Spinach & Parmesan Gnocchi with Chicken is a reliable and delicious choice. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this easy-to-make classic.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade potato gnocchi works beautifully in this dish. Just be gentle when tossing to prevent the delicate homemade pasta from breaking apart. Cook the homemade gnocchi according to your recipe before adding to the sauce.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when adding the cream and milk. Avoid boiling rapidly, as high heat can cause dairy to separate. Stir continuously and gradually add the Parmesan while whisking to ensure smooth incorporation.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead—cook the gnocchi, shred the chicken, and chop the vegetables—but it's best to combine everything just before serving. The sauce may thicken upon standing; add a splash of warm milk or cream when reheating to restore consistency.
- → What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Fresh spinach works wonderfully, but you can also add sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a lighter version, incorporate zucchini or asparagus. Add heartier vegetables during the onion sauté step and delicate greens at the end.
- → Is there a way to make this lighter?
Substitute half-and-half for part of the heavy cream, or use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. Reduce the Parmesan slightly or use a blend with part-skim varieties. Increasing the vegetable-to-pasta ratio also creates a lighter, more nutritious dish.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich cream sauce and cuts through the Parmesan's richness. For red wine lovers, a light Chianti or Barbera provides nice acidity without overwhelming the dish's delicate flavors.