Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is just what you need! This creamy delight combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll find its way into your regular dinner rotation!

What makes this Asiago Chicken Gnocchi truly special is how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing any deliciousness. The rich sauce and hearty ingredients come together so effortlessly that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this creamy dish packed with flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the sauce ahead of time and just reheat when ready to serve.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Each component plays a key role in creating that rich and satisfying flavor.

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

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

One of the best things about Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is how flexible it is! You can make a few adjustments to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of Asiago, feel free to substitute with Parmesan or mozzarella.
• Make it lighter: Use low-fat half-and-half or milk if you’re looking for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. This step ensures that every bite of chicken is flavorful. In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transferring them to a plate and covering loosely with foil keeps them warm while we make the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining butter. Once melted, toss in the diced shallot; cook until softened—about 3-5 minutes—stirring frequently. Then add minced garlic and let it cook for another minute; this step releases all those wonderful flavors into our sauce! Sprinkle flour over this mixture and whisk until fully incorporated and slightly golden—a crucial step for thickening our sauce.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Broth and Cream

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. This helps scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—you don’t want to miss out on that flavor! Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly before adding in half-and-half along with the uncooked gnocchi. Stir everything together ensuring each gnocchi piece is submerged under that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Combine Spinach and Cheese

Now comes my favorite part! Stir in fresh spinach and grated Asiago cheese. Cooking everything together for another few minutes allows the spinach to wilt down while melting that heavenly cheese into our sauce—a match made in comfort food heaven!

Step 5: Serve Up Your Creation

Once everything is perfectly combined, remove your skillet from heat and place your beautifully cooked chicken breasts right on top of that tasty gnocchi mixture. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely touch before serving hot—your family will be so excited to dig in!

Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones; I promise they’ll be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

Making Asiago Chicken Gnocchi can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use freshly grated Asiago cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-packaged options, enhancing the creaminess of your sauce.

• Cook gnocchi in salted water: Adding salt to the water when cooking the gnocchi will infuse them with flavor, making them taste even better once mixed with the creamy sauce.

• Don’t rush the chicken cooking: Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly before moving on to the sauce; this ensures it remains juicy and tender, creating a perfect protein addition to your dish.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your preferences.

• Keep an eye on the spinach: Add spinach towards the end of the cooking process to retain its vibrant color and nutrients; this keeps your dish looking fresh and appetizing.

How to Serve Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

Presenting Asiago Chicken Gnocchi beautifully can turn a simple meal into a special occasion. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only adds color but also freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
• Shaved Asiago cheese: For an extra touch of elegance, topping with shaved cheese adds both visual appeal and a burst of flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. It complements the creamy texture of the gnocchi beautifully.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and crunch while providing a healthy, nutritious balance to your meal.
• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a contrast in texture and flavor, making it an excellent pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring out natural sweetness and add depth to your plate.

With these suggestions in mind, you’re ready to serve up an amazing bowl of Asiago Chicken Gnocchi that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Asiago Chicken Gnocchi recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Ensure the dish is cooled before freezing.
• Portion the gnocchi and sauce into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different cheese instead of Asiago in the Asiago Chicken Gnocchi?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using Parmesan or Romano cheese for a similar flavor profile. Just keep in mind that these cheeses may vary slightly in taste and texture.

What can I serve with Asiago Chicken Gnocchi?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Is this Asiago Chicken Gnocchi recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store leftovers easily, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

How long does it take to make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi?

The total time to make this dish is about 38 minutes, including preparation and cooking. It’s a quick option for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Asiago Chicken Gnocchi as I do! Its creamy richness combined with tender chicken and flavorful gnocchi makes it truly special. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!