Description
Culinary magic happens with this chicken and gnocchi bake, blending tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, velvety sauce. Comfort meets elegance in this Italian-inspired dish that promises to delight and satisfy with each comforting, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Thickener:
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a sizzling 425°F, preparing for a culinary transformation.
- Massage chicken with olive oil, infusing it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of salt.
- Ignite a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden stage for the chicken.
- Sear chicken for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway, until it achieves a sun-kissed exterior and approaches 165°F internally.
- Relocate chicken to a cutting board for a brief respite, allowing juices to redistribute.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce shallots, coaxing them to a tender submission, then add garlic for an aromatic crescendo.
- Introduce remaining butter, dust with flour to craft a velvety roux, then whisk in broth, milk, and cream until the sauce thickens and glosses.
- Slice chicken into bite-sized morsels, reuniting them with the luscious sauce and pillowy gnocchi.
- Cascade a generous blanket of cheeses across the surface, promising a molten, golden crown.
- Slide into the preheated oven, baking 12-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and bronzes with irresistible allure.
Notes
- Selecting the right chicken is crucial; choose boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking and easier dicing.
- Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by briefly patting them dry before adding to the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for deeper aromatic notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 576 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg