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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Dinner Recipe

Dive into a flavorful and comforting Creamy Cajun Chicken & Gnocchi Skillet that comes together in one pan. This dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich creamy sauce for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
  • 1 package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter.
  3. Once shimmering, add the cubed chicken, season with salt and Cajun seasoning, and sear for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to stir until well combined and slightly thickened.
  8. Carefully add the gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  9. Once the gnocchi are tender, return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. If using, stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Adjust spice levels by starting with less Cajun seasoning and adding more to taste. For added vegetables, consider stirring in baby spinach, diced celery, or sliced mushrooms during cooking.