Save Tender potato gnocchi and shredded chicken are enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with fresh spinach in this dish. It is a comforting, restaurant-quality one-pan meal that is ready in minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy evening.
Save This easy-to-follow recipe uses store-bought gnocchi and pre-cooked chicken to minimize preparation time without sacrificing flavor. The addition of fresh baby spinach and a hint of nutmeg provides a beautiful color and a warm, complex taste profile.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 300 g)
- Gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g) store-bought potato gnocchi
- Vegetables: 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 90 g), 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Dairy: 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml), 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (90 g), 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pantry: 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt (or to taste), ¼ tsp black pepper, pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4
- Add shredded chicken and spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before adding it to the sauce. It is also important to check the gnocchi packaging for potential allergens such as milk, egg, or wheat/gluten to ensure the dish meets your dietary needs.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For ultimate convenience, substitute the cooked chicken breast with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. For a lighter version of the sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy gnocchi immediately while hot. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to balance the richness of the Parmesan.
Save This Creamy Spinach & Parmesan Gnocchi with Chicken provides a balanced main dish with 520 calories and 30g of protein per serving. It is an easy, flavorful solution for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead. Cook the gnocchi and shred the chicken in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made a day early and reheated gently. Combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What type of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly here. Look for shelf-stable or refrigerated varieties in the pasta aisle. Fresh gnocchi from the deli section is excellent too. Avoid frozen gnocchi as it can become waterlogged when cooked, affecting the final sauce consistency.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when making the sauce. High heat can cause dairy to separate. Stir frequently and add the Parmesan gradually while whisking. If the sauce does separate, whisk in a splash of cold cream to bring it back together.
- → Can I make this lighter?
Absolutely. Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use whole milk with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. You can also increase the spinach to 4 cups and reduce the gnocchi to 12 ounces. The dish will still be satisfying with fewer calories.
- → What can I serve alongside this?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the creamy gnocchi. Crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce is always welcome, and a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully.
- → Is this freezer-friendly?
The finished dish doesn't freeze well because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the shredded chicken and cooked gnocchi separately. Make the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best results and most luxurious texture.