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
Scale
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.