Description
This creamy Crac Chicken Gnocchi recipe is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce with Parmesan, cream, and cream cheese. Soft gnocchi and fresh spinach are added for texture and flavor, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a subtle tangy sweetness. This skillet meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Gnocchi and Vegetables
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to warm it up.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken; stir well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate butter: Add the butter and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Cook the gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Combine gnocchi with sauce: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet and cook for another minute to warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, ensuring the sauce is well distributed over the gnocchi and chicken.
Notes
- Cook chicken thoroughly before seasoning to ensure even flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi or a low-carb alternative for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
