Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Recipe
Chicken Bacon Gnocchi Recipe
Chicken Bacon Gnocchi is a comforting dish that brings together savory flavors in one easy meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick prep time and delicious results. You can customize it with different proteins or veggies, making it versatile for various tastes. If you’re curious about how to whip up this delightful dish and what makes it a favorite among many, keep exploring the details ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal, this Chicken Bacon Gnocchi recipe is perfect for you. You’ll love how simple it’s to prepare in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. In only 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and soft gnocchi, all enveloped in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The classic Italian seasonings and sun-dried tomatoes provide extra layers of flavor. Plus, this recipe offers flexibility; you can easily substitute ingredients to fit dietary needs, like using gluten-free gnocchi or adding more vegetables. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also combines chicken thighs, smoky bacon, and fluffy gnocchi for a comforting family meal. It’s an adaptable meal that suits busy schedules while still being satisfying and tasty. Enjoy cooking!
History
Gnocchi, with its name meaning “lumps” in Italian, has a rich history that dates back to its origins in Northern Italy. Traditionally made from potato flour, gnocchi come in various sizes and are typically served with a sauce. Over time, the dish has evolved, with modern recipes incorporating ingredients like chicken and bacon, creating delicious combinations that many enjoy today. You might also find gluten-free and dairy-free options available, catering to different dietary needs. As a comfort food, gnocchi is popular among families, making it a staple for cozy dinners. With its versatility, you can pair gnocchi with a variety of flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table. Type of pasta made with mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, gnocchi offers a unique texture that enhances any dish it accompanies.
Recipe
Ingredients:
– 6 slices chopped up bacon
– 1-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
– 16 oz package of shelf stable basil flavored potato gnocchi (any flavor gnocchi will work)
– Heavy cream
– Chicken broth
– Parmesan cheese
– Spinach
– Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions:
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
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Season the chopped chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the bacon grease until they’re fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, along with any additional seasonings you prefer. Allow the mixture to simmer to thicken slightly.
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Incorporate the Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted. Add the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the sauce.
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Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions and reserve some of the cooking water. Drain the gnocchi and add it to the sauce mixture, stirring well.
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Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet, mixing them in with the gnocchi and sauce. Stir periodically to prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the bottom of the pan, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Creamy Chicken Bacon with Basil Gnocchi is a flavorful meal that combines various ingredients for a delightful experience.
For the best results, be mindful of the cooking times for each ingredient. Cooking the chicken and bacon in the same skillet allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations such as adding cream cheese or sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness and flavor. Enjoy your Chicken Bacon Gnocchi!
Final Thoughts
While preparing your Chicken Bacon Gnocchi, remember that this dish isn’t only delicious but also quite versatile. You can easily adapt it for dairy-free and gluten-free diets by swapping heavy cream for plant-based cream and using gluten-free pasta. Additionally, the Olivieri Gnocchi variety boasts a balanced nutrient density, making it suitable for a variety of meal plans. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, like chicken, pork, or shrimp, to suit your taste. Adding vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, can enhance both flavor and texture.
For a complete meal, serve it alongside a side salad or garlic bread. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 30, this one-pan wonder allows for quick and easy cleanup, making it a convenient choice for weeknight dinners.
Enjoy!
FAQ
Have you ever wondered about the best way to cook gnocchi in a sauce? You can actually cook gnocchi directly in the sauce without pre-cooking it. It takes about five minutes for the gnocchi to become tender. If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to use different meats like pork or seafood. For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free pasta works as a great substitute. To keep your sauce from becoming too thick, just thin it out with chicken stock or water. Remember, adding spinach or mushrooms can enhance both flavor and texture. Additionally, using bacon grease in your sauce can provide a rich flavor base. Adjust the chicken broth as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!
