If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a little southern charm, this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, nestled among pillowy gnocchi in a rich, cheesy sauce that has just the right hint of smoky paprika. It’s a quick yet indulgent meal that hits all the right notes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to treat yourself to a savory, comforting dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but each one plays a vital role in making this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe a standout dish. From the spicy seasoning that gives it a kick to the creamy, cheesy elements that balance the heat, every component is essential to this flavorful creation.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized morsels throughout the meal.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, bringing that fiery, aromatic blend of spices that defines Cajun cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, adding a subtle fruity flavor and helping to create a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps to soften the onions and peppers, rounding out the flavors.
- 1 small yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and a bit of texture contrast in the creamy sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced to add vibrant color, slight sweetness, and a fresh crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce, creating smoothness and richness that wrap around every piece of gnocchi and chicken.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to thin the sauce for perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melted into the sauce, it brings a salty punch and creamy texture that is absolutely irresistible.
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi: Use shelf-stable or refrigerated based on what you prefer—either cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
- Chopped parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, coating them evenly to infuse that signature spicy, aromatic flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until each piece is golden on the outside and cooked through inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and sizzle gently. Toss in your diced onions and sliced red bell peppers, cooking them until they become tender and their flavors meld beautifully—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just long enough to awaken its wonderful aroma without burning.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together so it combines smoothly. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which allows the flavors to start mingling. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese next, watching it melt into the sauce and thicken it instantly. Add the smoked paprika to deepen the flavor profile with that subtle smoky richness.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering sauce. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and pillowy, and the sauce thickens enough to cling to every bite. This step is key to making sure the gnocchi soak up all the creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, folding everything together so the gnocchi and vegetables hug the spicy, creamy-coated chicken pieces perfectly. Taste and adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if you’d like a stronger kick. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the dish both visually and flavor-wise. You could also add an extra dusting of grated Parmesan for cheesier appeal or a few red pepper flakes to amp up the heat if you love it spicy.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with something light and refreshing to balance the creamy richness—think a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans that add texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon on the side. You can even offer crusty bread or garlic knots for guests to soak up any leftover sauce—because trust me, no one will want to waste a drop of this deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well because the texture of gnocchi can get a little mushy after thawing, but if you must, freeze only the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the cream from separating and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time saver and still lets you enjoy all the delicious flavors of this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe without the extra cooking time.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, balanced by the creamy sauce, but you can easily adjust it by adding more Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Both shelf-stable and refrigerated gnocchi work great. Shelf-stable gnocchi tend to hold up nicely with a slightly firmer bite, while refrigerated gnocchi cook faster and have a softer texture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative; however, the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy as the original version but will still be tasty with a slight twist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and can be portioned easily for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep the textures in mind and reheat gently to maintain the best flavor and consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something comforting, exciting, and loaded with bold Cajun flavors, this Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s straightforward to make but feels special and indulgent, perfect for sharing with family or friends. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
Print
Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Description
This Cajun Chicken Gnocchi is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces seasoned with Cajun spices, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic add depth and color to the dish, which comes together in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley, this rich and spicy dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and mildly smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Carb
- 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Sauté the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they become softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate cheese and spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet, stirring to coat them well with the sauce. Let them simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened further.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together so the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken gnocchi hot as a satisfying and flavorful main course.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while seasoning the chicken.
- Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken reduces cooking time.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back.
