Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

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Creamy chicken and gnocchi is a tasty meal you can make in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something yummy but don’t have much time. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy sauce for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.

You’ll love how easy this recipe is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The creamy sauce coats the chicken and gnocchi, while spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken too!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this yummy creamy chicken and gnocchi dish:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium shallot
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 16 oz shelf-stable potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Finely dice the shallot and mince the garlic. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and parsley.

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and quicker.

Remember, you can always adjust the seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if you like.

Instructions

Mix Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat chicken pieces with this blend.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken for 5 minutes until brown. Set aside on a plate.

Add more oil to the skillet. Cook shallot for 2 minutes. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute.

Pour in chicken broth. Scrape the pan bottom with a wooden spoon. Add cream, cheese, and gnocchi. Bring to a simmer.

Lower heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes.

Put chicken back in the skillet. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper if needed.

Top with parsley. Serve hot with extra cheese if you like.

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out ingredients in this creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe. Here are some tasty options:

• Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or turkey instead of thighs.
• Gnocchi: Try cheese tortellini or small pasta shapes like orecchiette.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard work great too.
• Heavy cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can make it lighter.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Roasted red peppers add nice color and flavor.

For the cheese, grated Romano or Asiago can replace Parmesan. No shallots? Use a small onion. Fresh basil is yummy instead of parsley.

To make it veggie, skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms and peas. You can also use veggie broth.

For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free gnocchi or use rice instead. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

These swaps let you use what you have on hand or fit your diet needs. The dish will still be creamy and delicious!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this dish more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi instead of regular potato gnocchi. This will lower the carb count and add more fiber.

Replace the heavy cream with a mix of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting down on fat and calories. You can also use less parmesan cheese or opt for a lighter version.

Consider using chicken breasts instead of thighs. They’re leaner and have less fat. You might also want to add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrient content.

Watch your portion sizes too. Stick to a smaller serving and pair it with a big side salad. This helps balance your plate and keeps blood sugar in check.

Here’s a quick breakdown of swaps:

• Potato gnocchi → Whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi
• Heavy cream → 1/2 cup low-fat milk + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts
• Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms

These changes can make the dish more diabetes-friendly without losing its yummy flavor!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best creamy chicken and gnocchi, use these handy tips:

• Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – it should be tender but still slightly chewy.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.

Try these tasty swaps:

• Chicken breast instead of thighs
• Mushrooms in place of sun-dried tomatoes
• Kale or arugula instead of spinach

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

You can also freeze this dish. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For meal prep, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store in the fridge, then add the gnocchi and spinach when reheating for a quick weeknight dinner.