# Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: A Swift and Delectable Dinner
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is an exquisite dish that merges succulent chicken with soft gnocchi in a lavish, creamy sauce. This recipe is not just quick and straightforward to make, but it also offers a rich flavor that is bound to impress. Serve it alongside a simple green salad, and you’ll have a full dinner ready in only 30 minutes!
## Why This Recipe is Unique
The blend of pan-seared chicken and creamy gnocchi results in a cozy meal that’s ideal for busy evenings. Utilizing store-bought gnocchi streamlines the cooking process, making it convenient for hurried families. This recipe draws inspiration from Italian cuisine and incorporates components like shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, which elevate the dish to an exquisite level of savoriness.
## Ingredients
### For the Chicken:
– 2 chicken breasts, halved horizontally
– All-purpose seasoning blend (to taste)
– Olive oil (for frying)
### For the Gnocchi:
– Pre-packaged gnocchi (mini or standard)
– Chicken stock
### For the Sauce:
– Diced shallots
– Sun-dried tomatoes (or DeLallo tomato bruschetta for a juicier alternative)
– Heavy cream
– Fresh spinach
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Fresh thyme (optional)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
## Instructions
1. **Sear the Chicken**: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with the seasoning blend. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Shallots**: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, then add the diced shallots and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until shallots are golden and tender.
3. **Incorporate Gnocchi and Stock**: Blend in the gnocchi and chicken stock. Allow it to simmer for around 5 minutes, aiding the gnocchi in becoming soft.
4. **Mix in Cream and Spinach**: Add the heavy cream and fresh spinach to the pan. Stir to combine and maintain a low simmer for several minutes to thicken the sauce.
5. **Season and Combine**: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste. Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to heat through in the creamy sauce.
6. **Serve**: Dish out the chicken with a generous amount of the creamy gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
## Tips for Success
– If a varied flavor is desired, think about swapping sun-dried tomatoes for DeLallo tomato bruschetta for a juicier texture.
– To enhance the broth, using a premium chicken base like Better Than Bouillon can improve the overall taste of the dish.
– This meal goes beautifully with a simple green salad, ensuring a balanced dinner option.
## Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is an excellent selection for a swift weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will please the entire family. Relish this comforting meal any evening of the week!