Bring the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table with this Cajun-Spiced Chicken & Gnocchi recipe. Juicy chicken seasoned with Creole spices is paired with soft, pillowy gnocchi, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. With just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a hearty, comforting dinner that will impress your family and guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken on both sides with Creole seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Slowly add the half-and-half while stirring. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and a sprinkle of Creole seasoning.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir in the gnocchi. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, cover, and let simmer over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cajun-Spiced Chicken & Gnocchi
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
- For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 teaspoons Creole seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil - For the Sauce:
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for a sweeter flavor)
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1½ cups half-and-half
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon dried thyme
16 ounces potato gnocchi
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - For Garnish:
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Coat chicken with Creole seasoning. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and broth, scraping the pan. Stir in half-and-half, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and a pinch of Creole seasoning.
- Stir in gnocchi and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Remove chicken, stir Parmesan into the sauce, and adjust seasoning. Slice chicken and return to skillet.
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy.
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also use homemade gnocchi.
2. What is Creole seasoning, and can I make it at home?
Creole seasoning is a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme. You can make it at home by combining these ingredients in equal parts.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
