Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 lb. potato gnocchi
Chicken
- 1.5 lb. chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 oz. spinach
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chicken broth (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Thickener and Cheese
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Prepare the potato gnocchi according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the gnocchi well and set aside for later use.
- Pan-sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Place the chicken smooth side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté vegetables: Add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt, cooking for another 3 minutes. Finally, add the spinach and stir until wilted and vibrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a low simmer. Gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and finish: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and stir gently to coat it in the creamy sauce. Nestle the pan-seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, then simmer everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. Season with extra salt, pepper, and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting skillet meal!
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
- Chicken thighs provide juiciness, but boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of flour mixed with broth and cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American