### Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi: An Easy and Delectable Evening Meal
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is an exquisite dish that fuses succulent chicken with soft gnocchi in a decadent, creamy sauce. This recipe is not only quick and straightforward to make but also remarkably gratifying, making it ideal for a weekday meal. Pair it with a light green salad, and you have a wholesome dish that the entire family will adore.
#### Why This Recipe Is Exceptional
The blend of sautéed chicken and creamy gnocchi crafts a cozy meal that’s overflowing with taste. The inclusion of shallots and sun-dried tomatoes elevates the flavor, while the cream contributes a luxurious consistency. Utilizing pre-made gnocchi streamlines the cooking method, letting you prepare this dish in just 30 minutes.
#### Ingredients
– **Chicken:**
– 2 chicken breasts, horizontally halved
– All-purpose seasoning blend
– **Gnocchi:**
– 1 package of gnocchi (mini or regular)
– **Finishers:**
– Olive oil
– Shallots
– Sun-dried tomatoes
– Chicken broth
– Heavy cream
– Fresh spinach
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh thyme
– Parmesan cheese (optional)
#### Instructions
1. **Sauté the Chicken:**
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with the spice blend. Cook for 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Shallots:**
– In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then incorporate the shallots and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the shallots are golden and tender.
3. **Incorporate Gnocchi and Broth:**
– Add the gnocchi and chicken broth to the pan. Simmer for around 5 minutes until the gnocchi are soft.
4. **Mix in Cream and Spinach:**
– Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
5. **Reintroduce Chicken to the Pan:**
– Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, letting it absorb the flavors of the sauce.
6. **Serve:**
– Plate the chicken with a generous portion of the creamy gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
#### Tips for Excellence
– **Gnocchi Choices:** You can opt for mini or standard gnocchi, or even gluten-free options as needed.
– **Flavor Boosts:** For more depth, consider using Better Than Bouillon chicken base mixed with water for the broth.
– **Vegetable Alternatives:** If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your preference, try DeLallo tomato bruschetta for a juicier substitute.
#### Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi makes for an ideal meal during hectic weeknights, providing a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone at the table. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish is destined to become a household favorite. Relish your sumptuous dinner!