Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Delight with Spinach and Mushrooms
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 1.3 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or chicken tenders)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mushrooms:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gnocchi:
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Cooking Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a high-sided skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on one side without disturbance. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Cooking Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced mushrooms with salt and pepper on high heat for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet.
Making Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, introduce the uncooked potato gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, ensuring a thorough stir. Cover with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes while the sauce simmers.
- Incorporate the fresh spinach and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired sauce thickness.
Assembly:
- Blend in half of the cooked mushrooms.
- Season the dish with salt, coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Crown the dish with the remaining half of the cooked mushrooms.
Serve and Enjoy: Relish in the luxurious and creamy essence of this one-pan chicken and gnocchi creation—a perfect solution for a swift and delectable meal.