Asiago Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is one of those soul-satisfying dishes that make a weeknight dinner feel absolutely special—think pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, all wrapped in a luscious Asiago cheese sauce. This meal comes together surprisingly fast, and I guarantee it will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is how the handful of ingredients each shines—nothing fancy, but together they create layers of texture and flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each one matters.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts soak up flavor and deliver tender, juicy bites—be sure to pound them for even cooking.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: The simplest seasonings ensure your chicken is anything but bland.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps build a deeply flavorful sauce base; dividing it is key for cooking chicken and making the sauce.
• Shallot: Chopped shallot gives a gently sweet, aromatic backbone to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Garlic: Just a bit takes everything up a notch with that classic, savory depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy, luxurious texture without heaviness.
• Chicken Broth: Builds body and rounds out the savory flavor profile of the sauce.
• Half-and-Half: Gives the sauce its creamy silkiness without being overly rich.
• Potato Gnocchi: These little dumplings soak up the sauce and turn this dish into pure comfort.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: A generous handful adds freshness and that gorgeous pop of color.
• Asiago Cheese: Finely grated for max melt and flavor, its tangy nuttiness is truly the star here.
• Fresh Parsley: For a hit of green and a lovely finishing lift.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just want to mix up the flavors, here are some tried-and-true twists to inspire you.

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the shallots for earthy flavor and even more cozy texture.
• Swap the Greens: Try kale or arugula in place of spinach if that’s what you have on hand—or a mix of both.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free gnocchi and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if your crew loves a little gentle heat.

How to Make Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—this quick step makes all the difference for seasoning! Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side until beautifully golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes total depending on thickness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and get ready for the good stuff!

Step 2: Build the Aromatics and Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t worry about the little browned bits—they add flavor!), drop in the remaining three tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, stir in the diced shallot and let it soften for a few minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it forms a light roux, pale golden and smooth, about a minute more.

Step 3: Whisk and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking, making sure to deglaze every delicious bit stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes; the sauce should start to thicken slightly and smell incredible. Stir in the half-and-half for that creamy silkiness—it’s already looking irresistible!

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Time to add the star: uncooked gnocchi. Drop it straight into the simmering sauce, stir gently so it’s all nestled in, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. The gnocchi will turn tender and pillowy as it soaks up all that flavor—no need to pre-boil!

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cheese

When the gnocchi is plump, add in your fresh baby spinach and the grated Asiago cheese. Give it a few gentle stirs—the spinach will wilt and the cheese will melt into the sauce, turning everything creamy and fragrant with just a hint of nuttiness.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts on top of the gnocchi, then sprinkle generously with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve while it’s piping hot and extra cheesy—it’s pure Asiago Chicken Gnocchi bliss.

How to Serve Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

Garnishes

A generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley does wonders for both looks and brightness. For even more gourmet flair, try a sprinkle of extra Asiago cheese or freshly cracked black pepper just before serving—it’s simple but absolutely elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Asiago Chicken Gnocchi with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a little more color and crunch. Crusty bread or garlic knots are also perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style approach, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone dig in. Feeling fancy? Slice the chicken and fan it over each serving of gnocchi, then drizzle with a little extra sauce and garnish individually with herbs and cheese for restaurant-worthy plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is a dream for lunch the next day! Cool completely, then store everything in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the gnocchi mixture (without the cooked chicken for best texture), cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating—add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the creamy sauce.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra half-and-half or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating also works in short bursts, but stir well and check for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, Asiago Chicken Gnocchi is the answer. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty bites of chicken and gnocchi, this recipe tastes like pure comfort (with zero fuss). Give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table, too!

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