Description
This comforting Chicken and Gnocchi recipe combines tender shredded chicken with pillowy gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful broth enriched with spinach and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a cozy balance of protein, carbs, and greens in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Carbohydrates
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and cook together for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Simmer broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, preparing the base for the gnocchi to cook in.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling broth and cook them according to the package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Add cream and spinach: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream heats through.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine and create a creamy, rich broth.
- Serve hot: Ladle the chicken and gnocchi mixture into bowls and serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Fresh gnocchi can be used instead of packaged for a different texture.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels better.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
