Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is a dish that can turn any ordinary dinner into a culinary celebration. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy sauce, bursting with the rich, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese, paired perfectly with fluffy gnocchi. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?” Trust me; your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. I remember my first attempt at making Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi. My friends were skeptical at first but became instant fans after just one bite. Now, it’s become a staple in my house, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight meals stress-free
- The flavors blend beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone loves
- Visually striking and creamy, it looks gourmet on any table
- Perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining friends and family!
Every time I serve Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi, my friends can’t help but comment on how creamy and delicious it is. It never fails to impress!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; minced garlic brings out the best taste.
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Asiago Cheese: Grate fresh Asiago for optimal melting and flavor; it adds a nutty richness.
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Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious texture; don’t skimp on the creaminess!
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Gnocchi: Opt for store-bought gnocchi for convenience; they cook up perfectly in minutes.
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Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition; sauté until just wilted for the best results.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously to elevate all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for a delightful cooking adventure as we dive into this creamy masterpiece!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely so its aroma fills your kitchen.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do.
Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic when your chicken is nearly done cooking. The aroma will be heavenly! Then add spinach to wilt down; this takes just about 2 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add grated Asiago cheese gradually until melted—this will create an ultra-creamy sauce that will charm anyone who tries it.
Cook the Gnocchi: While you’re preparing your sauce, boil water in another pot. Add gnocchi once boiling; they cook quickly! They’re done when they float—use this time wisely to ensure everything finishes simultaneously.
Toss Everything Together!: Drain the gnocchi once cooked and fold them gently into your creamy chicken mixture. Be sure every piece gets coated—this is where magic happens!
Now you have transformed simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will leave everyone craving seconds! Serve piping hot with some extra grated Asiago on top for good measure.
In summary, Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi takes comfort food to a whole new level while being surprisingly simple to whip up. Enjoy every mouthful of this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- Cooking Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is all about balance; the creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi creates a symphony of textures and flavors
- Make sure to taste as you go, ensuring that your dish remains vibrant and delicious
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown, then cook the gnocchi while preparing the luscious sauce simultaneously for a seamless dinner experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add fresh spinach for extra nutrition and color. Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh gnocchi for a softer texture; dried gnocchi can become chewy
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjusting seasoning can make a world of difference
- Don’t rush cooking the chicken; give it time to develop that beautiful golden crust
Sharing this recipe with friends during a cozy dinner party led to unexpected compliments and requests for seconds, proving that comfort food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just follow package instructions for cooking times when using frozen gnocchi.
What can I substitute for Asiago cheese?
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano work well as substitutes if Asiago isn’t available.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is a delightful comfort dish that elevates any dinner. Tender chicken, bathed in a rich, creamy Asiago cheese sauce, is perfectly complemented by fluffy gnocchi and fresh spinach. This dish is simple to prepare yet impressively gourmet, making it ideal for cozy family nights or entertaining guests. With its captivating aroma and satisfying textures, every bite promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) package of store-bought gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and spinach: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant; add spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Make the sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add grated Asiago until melted.
- Cook gnocchi: Boil water in a separate pot; add gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Drain.
- Combine: Gently fold cooked gnocchi into the creamy chicken mixture until well coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
