If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken meets pillowy gnocchi bathed in a luxuriously creamy Asiago cheese sauce, all brought together with fresh spinach and fragrant garlic. It’s a weeknight dinner winner that feels indulgent without any complicated steps, making it the perfect way to elevate your usual meal routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of staple ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role, from the golden seared chicken that adds heartiness to the gnocchi’s tender bite, to the Asiago cheese that brings sharp creaminess to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and prevents sticking when cooking the chicken and garlic.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced): Cooks quickly and stays juicy for the perfect protein boost.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend that instantly infuses a classic Mediterranean herb profile into the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic depth and a subtle bite that enhances overall savoriness.
- Baby spinach (roughly chopped): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy taste that complements the creamy sauce.
- Potato gnocchi: Offers a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the luscious Asiago sauce magnificently.
- Chicken broth: Brings a delicate savory base that prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky body of the sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
- Freshly grated Asiago cheese: The star ingredient, this cheese melts into a sharp, nutty creaminess that elevates the entire dish.
- Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, chopped parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes add a final flourish of flavor and color.
How to Make Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure every bite is well-flavored. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring it back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Wilt the Spinach
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it just for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step releases all those wonderful aromatic oils. Next, add the chopped baby spinach and cook until it’s nicely wilted, which should take roughly a minute. This adds freshness and a lovely splash of green to your dish.
Step 3: Combine Gnocchi with Broth and Cream
Time to bring in the gnocchi. Add them to the skillet along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to become tender while the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Melt in the Asiago Cheese and Return Chicken
Now for the creamy magic: stir in the freshly grated Asiago cheese until it melts slowly into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce so every piece is well coated. Let it simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, deepening the flavors and ensuring everything is piping hot.
Step 5: Season, Taste, and Serve
The final step is to taste your sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember, the cheese already adds a good amount of saltiness, so adjust carefully. Serve this delightful creation hot, garnished as you like, and get ready for compliments around the table.
How to Serve Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra layers of flavor and visual appeal is a joy with this dish. Sprinkle on some additional freshly grated Asiago cheese for that extra cheesy punch. Chopped parsley brings a lovely fresh green contrast, and if you like a bit of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders. These small touches make the dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy recipe pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that balance the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add texture and earthiness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just jazz up your dinner plate, try serving the chicken sliced on top of the gnocchi with the sauce spooned generously over. You can also plate the gnocchi and sauce in a shallow bowl, nestle the chicken breast beside it, and garnish artistically with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese. This creates a visually stunning dish that’s both cozy and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is dairy-based, be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain its creamy consistency without separation.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal due to the cream and cheese; texture can change upon thawing. If you want to freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to minimize texture loss.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its silky texture if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating is okay, but do it in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Asiago?
Absolutely! While Asiago delivers a unique sharpness and nuttiness, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors. Just keep in mind, the sauce’s character may shift slightly with different cheeses.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello, which pair wonderfully with the creamy Asiago sauce. Just sauté the mushrooms until golden instead of the chicken for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi is traditional and offers the perfect pillowy texture for this recipe. You can find fresh or frozen gnocchi at most grocery stores. Avoid pre-cooked or dried gnocchi, as they might not absorb the sauce as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and reheat it for guests?
You can prepare most components ahead of time except for adding the cheese right before serving to keep it melty and fresh. Store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat gently, then combine with fresh gnocchi for best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or garnish with them just before serving. You could also mix in a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce to bring some heat without overpowering the creamy Asiago flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope this inspires you to try the Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe—it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor and texture, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether a comforting weeknight meal or a special dinner. Trust me, once you taste that velvety sauce and tender chicken combined with gnocchi, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, cheesy Asiago cream sauce enhanced with fresh spinach and garlic. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
Optional Garnish
- Additional Asiago cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the roughly chopped baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Add gnocchi and liquids: Pour in the potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the gnocchi to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Incorporate Asiago and chicken: Stir in the freshly grated Asiago cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with more Asiago cheese, chopped parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine before adding the broth and cream.
- Use fresh Asiago cheese for the best taste and smooth melting.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- The dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi.
- Make sure not to overcook the gnocchi; it should be tender but still hold its shape.
