If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends comforting flavors with a touch of gourmet flair, the Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a creamy Asiago cheese sauce that wraps everything in rich, savory goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends, this dish offers that incredible feeling of home-cooked warmth with an elegant twist that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe right comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy sauce to the vibrant spinach, these essentials make cooking a breeze and eating an absolute joy.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3, about 1 ½ pounds): Pounded to an even thickness to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the creamy elements.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, divided): Provides a rich base for sautéing and adds lusciousness to the sauce.
- Shallot (1 medium, diced): Offers a delicate sweetness and depth to the sautéed base.
- Garlic (1 teaspoon, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that ties all flavors together.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory body and depth to the sauce foundation.
- Half-and-half (½ cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
- Potato gnocchi (1 package, 16 ounces, uncooked): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, slightly earthy contrast and a pop of color.
- Asiago cheese (½ cup, finely grated): Gives the dish its signature nutty, tangy flavor that elevates every bite.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Then, season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for juicy, flavorful chicken that shines without too much fuss.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat part of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook them until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, the magic isn’t over yet!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet keeps all those lovely browned bits from the chicken, infusing extra flavor into your sauce. Add a little more butter, and sauté the diced shallots until soft and translucent, then toss in the minced garlic for just a minute to awaken the senses. Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Pour in the half-and-half for that creamy touch, then add the uncooked gnocchi straight to the skillet. Gnocchi cooks quickly—just a few minutes until they puff up and become tender. Stir frequently to keep everything coated and prevent sticking, letting the flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
To finish, toss in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt gently in the warmth of the sauce, adding freshness and a lovely green vibrance. Next, stir in that finely grated Asiago cheese—the star ingredient that brings a tangy, nutty, rich flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts right on top of the creamy gnocchi and spinach mixture, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
How to Serve Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a small handful of grated Asiago cheese work wonders to enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor. For an extra burst of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This cozy main dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, seasonal salads—think arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a light mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the richness of the Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe beautifully, adding texture and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, plate the gnocchi and sauce first, then slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on top for a restaurant-quality presentation. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a large skillet straight from the stove, encouraging everyone to dig in together—a wonderful way to share warmth and deliciousness all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days and is perfect for easy lunches or dinners when you want something comforting without extra effort.
Freezing
Because of the dairy and tender gnocchi, this dish freezes best without the spinach mixed in to prevent texture changes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to two months; you can add fresh spinach when reheating to keep the greens vibrant and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen the sauce. This careful reheating preserves the creamy texture without drying out the chicken or gnocchi—just like a freshly made meal!
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well and can be cooked directly from frozen in the sauce. Just allow a minute or two extra cooking time for them to become tender and soak up all that flavor.
Is Asiago cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Asiago cheese gives this recipe its unique tangy and nutty profile, but if you don’t have it on hand, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes that will still deliver lots of flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cooking them in butter over medium heat helps them cook uniformly and stay moist. Avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature or cutting into the thickest part early.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can even use plant-based chicken alternatives and still enjoy a wonderfully satisfying version of the Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe.
How can I add more veggies to the dish?
Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or roasted red peppers during the sauce-making step. They add color, nutrients, and delightful bursts of flavor that complement the creamy gnocchi beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about the Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy enough for a cozy weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests—the perfect balance. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy creamy, cheesy, tender, and utterly delicious dinner magic.
Print
Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Asiago Chicken Gnocchi recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Asiago cheese sauce with baby spinach and soft potato gnocchi. A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a hearty dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), pounded to an even thickness
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, diced (about â…“ cup)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, finely grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sauté the diced shallot and minced garlic until they are fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Make the Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in the half-and-half and add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the skillet. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir fresh baby spinach into the gnocchi mixture and cook until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the finely grated Asiago cheese until melted and well combined. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the gnocchi mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm for a deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- If Asiago cheese is unavailable, Parmesan can be used as a substitute.
- Use fresh gnocchi if possible; frozen gnocchi will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any food safety issues.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
