Description
Creamy Crac Chicken Gnocchi is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cubed chicken breast simmered in a luscious creamy sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan, paired perfectly with soft gnocchi, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This flavorful skillet meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Sauce
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and lightly browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle the 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 the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Prepare creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add butter: Stir in the tablespoon of butter until fully incorporated, enriching the sauce’s texture and flavor.
- Cook the gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface indicating doneness.
- Combine gnocchi with sauce: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi from the boiling water directly into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce.
- Add spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir just until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes, blending vibrant greens into the dish.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to warm them through and meld their flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for bright fresh notes. Serve the creamy Crac chicken gnocchi immediately with the sauce drizzled generously over the gnocchi and chicken.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before seasoning to avoid uneven flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- 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 (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
