Description
Succulent Tuscan chicken dances with pillowy gnocchi, embracing a Mediterranean melody of spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Rich flavors weave together, inviting you to savor each creamy, herb-infused bite of this Italian-inspired comfort classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 6 cloves garlic minced
Dry Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz (454 grams) potato gnocchi
- 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach
- 7 oz (198 grams) canned artichoke hearts chopped
- 4 oz (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil but drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Infuse chicken thighs with robust Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper for maximum flavor penetration.
- Preheat a sturdy skillet over medium heat for precise temperature control.
- Drizzle olive oil and gently place seasoned chicken thighs, allowing uninterrupted searing for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Reduce heat to low-medium, flip chicken, and continue cooking approximately 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken from skillet, reserving flavorful pan remnants.
- Introduce uncooked gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic into the same skillet, quickly coating ingredients for maximum flavor absorption.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, incorporating Italian seasoning and paprika to create a rich, velvety sauce.
- Elevate heat to medium, bringing liquid to a gentle boil while stirring consistently, then cover and simmer gnocchi for 5 minutes.
- Fold fresh spinach and artichokes into the simmering mixture, cooking 5 minutes until spinach wilts and vegetables become tender.
- Reintegrate seared chicken into the skillet, warming gently and finishing with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped thyme for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Sear chicken confidently by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding oil and meat for a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Choose high-quality chicken thighs with even thickness to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Consider using pre-cooked gnocchi for faster preparation if time is limited, reducing overall cooking duration.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 536 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg