One Pan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Quantities adjust automatically, but cooking steps remain unchanged.

• Chicken:
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Gnocchi:
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 pound gnocchi
• Vegetables:
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
  • 1 zucchini, thinly sliced into ribbons
  • 1 yellow squash, cut into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, quartered
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot (about 1 shallot)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste

Directions

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and keep warm on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 teaspoons butter. Add gnocchi, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
4. Add broccoli, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning and saut until vegetables are tender-crisp, 5-7 minutes depending on thickness. Stir in garlic during the last 45 seconds, then transfer vegetables to the bowl with gnocchi.
5. Melt remaining 2 teaspoons butter in the skillet. Saut shallots until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Whisk in flour and cook for 3 minutes until thickened. Add lemon juice to taste.
6. Combine the gnocchi and vegetables with the cream sauce. Arrange the cooked chicken on top and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 714
• Fat: 30g (38% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (77% DV)
• Cholesterol: 194mg (65% DV)
• Sodium: 492mg (21% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 65g (24% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 8g (27% DV)
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 48g (96% DV)
• Vitamin C: 87mg (96% DV)
• Calcium: 141mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 6mg (31% DV)
• Potassium: 1277mg (27% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

The Story Behind One Pan Chicken Gnocchi

One Pan Chicken Gnocchi is a modern twist on traditional Italian comfort food. Gnocchi, small potato dumplings, have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, dating back to Roman times when early versions were made from semolina and water. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a single pan reflects a contemporary approach to Italian-American cooking, designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. The dish embodies the fusion of classic Italian techniques with the simplicity demanded by busy modern households.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While gnocchi originates from Italy, this particular dish has developed regional variations in the United States. In northern Italy, gnocchi is often served with a butter and sage sauce or a simple tomato sauce, while southern Italian versions might feature ricotta-based gnocchi. The American adaptation with chicken and a rich cream sauce highlights the preference for heartier, protein-rich meals. Vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers are commonly added in U.S. versions, reflecting a more balanced, all-in-one meal approach.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic Italian gnocchi recipes which focus solely on pasta and sauce, One Pan Chicken Gnocchi combines multiple components in a single skillet. This sets it apart from traditional chicken pasta dishes, which often require separate preparation for protein, sauce, and sides. The one-pan method not only simplifies cooking but also allows flavors from the chicken, vegetables, and cream sauce to meld together harmoniously. Compared to chicken alfredo with pasta, the use of gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that contrasts with the crisp-tender vegetables.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is often served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a casual weekend meal for family gatherings. Its simplicity and richness make it suitable for both everyday dining and informal entertaining. Restaurants in the U.S. may feature it as a special or seasonal menu item, emphasizing its versatility. Paired with a light salad or garlic bread, it becomes a complete meal that balances protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one presentation.

Interesting Facts About One Pan Chicken Gnocchi

• The one-pan method reduces cleanup, which has contributed to its popularity in busy households.
• Gnocchi can be made from potatoes, ricotta, or even sweet potatoes, offering multiple flavor variations.
• Adding lemon juice to the cream sauce, as in this recipe, enhances the flavor by cutting through the richness, a trick borrowed from classic French and Italian culinary techniques.
• This dish has become popular on social media cooking platforms due to its visual appeal and approachable cooking style.
• Despite its simplicity, the combination of texturesfrom tender chicken to soft gnocchi and crisp vegetablesmakes it feel gourmet.

FAQ about One Pan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

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