Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is an irresistible dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner or a special occasion, showcasing the delightful taste of Asiago cheese. With its creamy texture and comforting flavors, Asiago Chicken Gnocchi will surely become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 38 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Asiago cheese and fresh ingredients creates a creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious meal, making it great for family gatherings.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of too many dishes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: Prevents sticking and makes cooking and cleanup easier.
- Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly for a creamy sauce without lumps.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like shallots and garlic.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), (pounded to an even thickness)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 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
– 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi, (uncooked)
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach
– ½ cup Asiago cheese, (finely grated)
– Fresh parsley, (chopped for garnish)
How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Step 1: Season 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:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once melted, add the chicken breasts.
3. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet:
1. Add remaining 3 tablespoons of butter once melted.
2. Add diced shallot. Cook while stirring frequently until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over shallot and garlic; whisk for about a minute until slightly golden.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking constantly to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Cream
- Stir in half-and-half and uncooked gnocchi into the skillet.
- Ensure that gnocchi is submerged in sauce; continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
- Stir in fresh spinach and grated Asiago cheese; cook for about 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat, place cooked chicken on top of gnocchi mixture, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious Asiago Chicken Gnocchi!
How to Serve Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Serving Asiago Chicken Gnocchi can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this creamy dish.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together a variety of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: Serve classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons to complement the richness of the dish.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce of the gnocchi.
- Focaccia: A slice of warm focaccia adds a delightful texture and flavor that pairs well with the dish.
Include a Vegetable Side
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus provides a bright and healthy side that balances the meal.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans with lemon zest add freshness and color to your plate.
Enhance with Wine
- White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the flavors of Asiago Chicken Gnocchi beautifully.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon slices for a refreshing touch.
How to Perfect Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
To achieve the best results with your Asiago Chicken Gnocchi, consider the following tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality Asiago cheese to ensure maximum flavor in your dish.
- Cook Gnocchi Al Dente: Follow package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking gnocchi; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Experiment with Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can introduce an aromatic quality that complements the creamy sauce nicely.
Best Side Dishes for Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Pairing side dishes with Asiago Chicken Gnocchi can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that work well together.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a rich pairing that’s comforting.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add crunch and bitterness, balancing out the creaminess of the main dish.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb spiralized zucchini provides an alternative texture without being heavy.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Pasta Primavera: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables tossed with olive oil adds vibrancy to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the chicken seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken breast with salt and pepper before cooking for a tasty result.
- Not cooking the gnocchi properly – Overcooking or undercooking the gnocchi can ruin its texture. Follow package instructions closely and check for doneness a minute early.
- Using low-quality cheese – Substituting with low-quality cheese can compromise flavor. Stick to fresh, finely grated Asiago cheese for the best creamy sauce.
- Ignoring the sauce thickening process – If you rush the sauce, it may be too thin. Allow it to simmer until slightly thickened for the perfect consistency.
- Forget about garnishing – Skipping parsley or other garnishes makes the dish look uninviting. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and enhances presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe container. Heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Asiago Chicken Gnocchi that might help you along the way.
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes! While Asiago provides great flavor, you can substitute with Parmesan or Gruyère if needed.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
Gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the water or sauce and is tender when bitten into.
Can I make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time but reheat gently to maintain texture.
What if I don’t have half-and-half?
You can use heavy cream or milk as an alternative, though it may change the creaminess level slightly.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even swap out chicken for shrimp or sausage!
Final Thoughts
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Its creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make it perfect for family meals or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist!
Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi
Creamy Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a delightful comfort food that perfectly blends tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a luscious Asiago cheese sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 38 minutes—but also offers rich flavors that will satisfy the whole family. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pan wonder requires minimal cleanup, making your dining experience hassle-free. With its creamy texture and savory notes, Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is sure to become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add shallots and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; whisk for a minute until golden. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking to combine. Simmer until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in half-and-half and uncooked gnocchi; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Add fresh spinach and grated Asiago cheese; cook until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Serve topped with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
