Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich spinach sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner or an elegant meal for special occasions. The blend of flavors from the Asiago cheese and fresh ingredients makes it a standout choice for those looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy sauce, infused with Asiago cheese and fresh spinach, offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners, this dish fits various occasions effortlessly.
- One-Pan Meal: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup while still delivering amazing taste.
- Kid-Friendly: The comforting flavors make this recipe an excellent choice for picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth preparation experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cooking of chicken and sauce.
- Whisk: Ensures that all ingredients are blended smoothly, especially when adding broth and flour together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi with spinach in a rich sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful family dinner or special occasion!
For the Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), pounded to an even thickness
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium shallot, diced (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
For the Gnocchi
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, finely grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add diced shallot.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over shallot and garlic mixture. Whisk for about one minute until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking constantly to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as you cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi in Sauce
- Add half-and-half and uncooked gnocchi to skillet. Stir well to ensure gnocchi is submerged in sauce.
- Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes or until gnocchi is tender.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese
- Stir in fresh spinach and grated Asiago cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts into sauce.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Remove from heat. Place cooked chicken breasts on top of gnocchi mixture.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy your delicious Asiago Chicken Gnocchi!
How to Serve Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, serving it right can elevate the experience.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Garlic Bread: The buttery and garlicky flavor complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up the rich Asiago sauce.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the gnocchi.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing touch.
Offer Wine Options
- Chardonnay: A buttery white wine pairs well with the creaminess of the dish.
- Pinot Noir: This light red wine complements chicken and enhances flavors.
Garnish Creatively
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Extra Asiago Cheese: A light dusting before serving can enhance flavor.
How to Perfect Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
To make your Asiago Chicken Gnocchi truly remarkable, follow these simple tips to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and spinach will enhance taste and nutrition.
- Cook gnocchi properly: Don’t overcook; they should be tender yet firm to bite.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor integration.
- Experiment with herbs: Adding thyme or basil can give an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Pairing your Asiago Chicken Gnocchi with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers can enhance your meal’s nutritional value.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and a crunch that balances the creamy dish.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The savory flavor of bacon pairs well with the richness of the gnocchi.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide an interesting twist while maintaining comfort food vibes.
- Simple Green Beans: Sautéed green beans offer freshness without overwhelming flavors.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables can be an exciting starter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Neglecting the sauce: Forgetting to scrape up browned bits from the skillet can result in missed flavor. Remember to whisk in the broth thoroughly.
- Forgetting to wilt spinach: Adding spinach too late means it won’t have time to cook down. Stir it in once the cheese has melted for optimal texture.
- Using pre-cooked gnocchi: Make sure you use uncooked gnocchi for this recipe. Pre-cooked gnocchi won’t absorb the sauce as well, leading to a less flavorful dish.
- Serving without garnish: Skipping fresh parsley may make your dish look less appealing. Always add a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Asiago Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, then place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat while stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi.
What is Asiago Chicken Gnocchi?
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi, all coated in a rich Asiago cheese sauce.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with Parmesan or Romano if you don’t have Asiago on hand.
How do I customize my Asiago Chicken Gnocchi?
You can add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is not just delicious; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. Its creamy texture paired with savory flavors makes it a family favorite. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!
Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a delightful blend of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its luscious Asiago cheese and fresh spinach, this dish is perfect for a quick family dinner or an elegant meal for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ½ cup Asiago cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook chicken for 8-10 minutes until it reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, add diced shallot, and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; whisk to combine. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until thickened.
- Add half-and-half and uncooked gnocchi; stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in spinach and grated Asiago until melted. Top with cooked chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
