One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon) - Olive oil (2 tablespoons) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 lb gnocchi - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped In this dish, the chicken gives a hearty base. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors well. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. You can adjust the spice level to your taste. Olive oil is my go-to for sautéing. It helps cook the chicken and veggies evenly. The onion and garlic add depth and aroma. A finely chopped onion cooks fast, while minced garlic boosts the flavor. Next, we have the red bell pepper, which adds color and sweetness. Chicken broth and heavy cream create a rich, creamy sauce. I always use fresh gnocchi for the best texture. If you prefer, you can use store-bought or homemade gnocchi. Spinach and cherry tomatoes are the perfect finishing touches. They add color and nutrition. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, I love to garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It makes the dish look bright and inviting! - First, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will give it a nice kick. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. - Add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. - Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy. - In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. - Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. This step enhances the flavor. - Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. - Now, add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the gnocchi becomes tender and absorbs the sauce. - Stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will wilt the spinach and soften the tomatoes. - Lastly, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your flavorful dish! - You can adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your taste. Start with one tablespoon. If you like more heat, add a bit more. This spice mix gives the dish its unique kick. - When cooking gnocchi, follow the package instructions. Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, about three to four minutes. If using frozen, give it a few extra minutes. Always stir gently. - Use a large pot or deep skillet for this recipe. A non-stick option helps prevent sticking. It also makes clean-up easier. - Keep the heat medium-high while cooking chicken. This helps it brown evenly. For the sauce, lower the heat to simmer gently. This lets flavors meld without burning. - Pair this dish with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast. - To enhance presentation, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. A little grated Parmesan adds flavor and a gourmet touch. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Both add a nice twist. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or chickpeas. These ingredients give a hearty feel without meat. You can even go vegan by using plant-based cream and omitting cheese. Want more spice? Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten the dish. For a cheesy twist, mix in some cream cheese or mozzarella. You can also toss in vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can use store-bought gnocchi for ease. If you want, try making your own for a fun project. You can also swap gnocchi for other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Each type gives a unique texture and flavor to the dish. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. - Use airtight containers for storage. Glass or plastic containers both work well. - Label the containers with the date to track freshness. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. Here’s how: - Use a skillet over low heat to warm the dish slowly. Stir often. - If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. - You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi! Here’s how: - Cool the dish completely before freezing. - Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. - When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat. - Avoid refreezing leftovers after reheating to keep quality high. Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It often includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix gives dishes a bold, spicy flavor. The heat level can vary, so adjust it to your taste. You can use it on chicken, fish, or vegetables for a kick. Making One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi takes about 30 minutes. You will need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. This quick time makes it great for busy nights. You can enjoy a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add it directly to the pot. Cook it a bit longer than fresh gnocchi. Frozen gnocchi may take an extra minute or two to become tender. Both fresh and frozen versions work well in this dish. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just pack it in airtight containers. Reheat it when you're ready to eat. The flavors blend even more after a day, making it tastier! This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi. We explored the main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it perfect. You learned how to adjust flavors and store leftovers well. In the end, this dish is both easy to make and delicious. With some creativity, you can make it your own. Enjoy cooking, and savor every bite!$

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi

Savor the flavors of the South with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi recipe! This easy-to-follow dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy gnocchi, all made in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this meal bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your family to a delicious dinner tonight!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 lb (450g) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup (100g) spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup (100g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Add the gnocchi to the pot, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

Stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4