Heavenly Baked Chicken Gnocchi with Garlic Asiago Cream Sauce Recipe

Culinary magic happens when baked chicken gnocchi meets a dreamy garlic asiago cream sauce that whispers comfort.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly alongside tender chicken pieces in this creamy delight.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, velvety texture melting across each bite.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

A handful of ingredients creates something extraordinary on your plate.

Comfort and elegance dance together, promising a meal you cannot wait to savor.

Baked Chicken Gnocchi With Garlic Asiago Sauce

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Whip up a hearty, restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Pack Flavor Powerfully: Combine creamy Asiago sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi for a mouthwatering taste explosion that satisfies every craving.
• Streamline Dinner Prep: One-pan technique reduces cleanup time while delivering a complete meal with protein, carbs, and greens in a single delicious dish.
• Customize Creatively: Easily swap spinach for other vegetables or adjust cheese types to match your family's preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.

Ingredients For Garlic Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of meat that provide rich flavor and serve as the primary protein for the dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that form the hearty base of the recipe.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Creamy fat that helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Half and Half: Dairy product that contributes to the luxurious texture of the cream sauce.
• Asiago Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that provides depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust flavor to the cream sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that infuses the chicken and sauce with traditional Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, green finish.

How To Bake Chicken Gnocchi With Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Lightly coat a rimmed baking dish with oil.

Season chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook Gnocchi

Boil gnocchi following package instructions.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add butter and sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

In the same skillet, melt butter.

Add chopped spinach and cook until it starts to wilt, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.

Remove spinach and set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Garlic Asiago Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning

Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes.

• Half and half
• Grated Asiago cheese

Continue stirring until sauce thickens slightly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Arrange chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish.

• Cooked gnocchi
• Wilted spinach
• Asiago cream sauce

Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken is completely cooked.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Gnocchi Baking

• Marinate chicken thighs in Italian seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste.
• Pat gnocchi dry with paper towels before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Grate Asiago cheese fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
• Squeeze excess water from cooked spinach to prevent watery sauce and maintain the dish's rich, creamy texture.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for searing chicken to achieve golden-brown, crispy skin that locks in juicy flavors.

Flavor Twists For Garlic Asiago Chicken Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional gnocchi with potato or cauliflower-based gluten-free gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets instead of traditional potato gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce Option: Replace half and half with coconut milk or almond cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Asiago cheese for a lactose-free version.

Serving Ideas For Chicken Gnocchi Dish

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty dish, perfect for cozy weekend dinners or special gatherings.
• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Impress guests with this gourmet-style chicken gnocchi that looks professionally prepared and tastes incredible.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and elevate the presentation.

Storage Tips For Chicken Gnocchi With Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains at a safe temperature.
• Transfer cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the garlic Asiago cream sauce special?

The sauce combines chicken broth, half and half, minced garlic, and grated Asiago cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture with a bold, tangy flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken and gnocchi.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if Asiago is unavailable?

Parmesan or Romano cheese work great as substitutes. They have similar sharp, salty characteristics that will maintain the sauce’s intended taste and creamy consistency.

• Is this recipe considered a complete meal?

Yes, this dish combines protein from chicken, carbohydrates from gnocchi, and nutrients from spinach, making it a well-balanced, one-pan meal that covers multiple food groups in a single serving.

Baked Chicken Gnocchi with Garlic Asiago Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken gnocchi dancing in a rich garlic asiago cream sauce brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables. Cheesy, creamy goodness melts into pillowy potato dumplings, creating a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 17.6 ounces (500 grams) gnocchi

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) half and half
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with oil, ensuring even coverage.
2. Season chicken thighs thoroughly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
3. Prepare gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain completely in a colander and set aside.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken thighs until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring a crispy exterior.
5. In the same skillet, sauté chopped spinach until it wilts and becomes tender, releasing its vibrant green color.
6. Create the garlic Asiago cream sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Gradually whisk chicken broth and Italian seasoning into the garlic mixture, stirring consistently to develop depth of flavor.
8. Incorporate half and half and grated Asiago cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
9. Carefully arrange seared chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, creating a neat layout.
10. Top chicken with cooked gnocchi and wilted spinach, then generously pour the Asiago cream sauce over the entire dish.
11. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring chicken is completely cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks faster and has less fat.
• Use store-bought gnocchi or make homemade potato gnocchi for a more authentic texture and flavor profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free gnocchi and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives that provide similar hearty texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg