ASIAGO CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI AMAZING

I still remember the first time I tried gnocchi; a tiny Italian restaurant, a cozy atmosphere, and the most incredible creamy sauce clinging to those pillowy potato dumplings – it was pure magic! I’ve been chasing that flavor ever since, and this Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is the closest I’ve come to recreating that experience, but with the added bonus of tender, juicy chicken. Trust me, this recipe is easier than you think, and the result is a restaurant-worthy dish you’ll be proud to serve.

The Ultimate Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Alright, my friend, let’s dive into this absolutely divine Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi recipe! I’m going to walk you through every step, share some secrets to success, and even give you some fun variations to try. Get ready to create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi is:

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of Asiago cheese, garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a symphony of taste that will have your taste buds singing.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy name fool you – this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and soft gnocchi, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
• Impressive: It looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually a breeze to make.

What You’ll Need: Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of the ingredients for this amazing Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer chicken breasts because they are lean, but you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Gnocchi: 1 (16-ounce) package of shelf-stable gnocchi. Look for potato gnocchi, as they have the best texture.
• Asiago Cheese: 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese. Freshly grated is always best!
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream. This is what gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup chicken broth. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for that savory flavor!
• Onion: 1 small yellow onion, chopped.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons butter.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Not a fan of something? Out of an ingredient? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions you can make:

• Chicken: As mentioned, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. You could also try using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Gnocchi: If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can get mushy.
• Asiago Cheese: Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese can be used as substitutes.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. You can also add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Your Masterpiece

Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making the most amazing Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi you’ve ever tasted:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about 1/2 teaspoon). This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful and evenly seasoned.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (this is where a lot of flavor is!). Add the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the Gnocchi: Gently stir in the gnocchi. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Asiago cheese until melted and smooth. Be patient and stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot!

Pro Tips for Perfect Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi

Want to take your Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi to the next level? Here are some insider tips to help you achieve culinary perfection:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure that it browns evenly.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and unpleasant. Cook it just until it floats to the surface and is tender but still firm.
• Season to Taste: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some vegetables to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.

Variations and Add-Ins: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Mushroom Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for an earthy twist.
• Spinach Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of cooking until wilted.
• Pesto Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi: Add a tablespoon or two of pesto to the sauce for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete and satisfying meal:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair nicely with this dish.

Storing and Reheating: Enjoying Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Speaking of delicious creamy chicken recipes, you might also enjoy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s another incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. For a completely different flavor profile, try Chicken Casserole Recipe; it’s pure comfort food. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake always satisfies! And if you liked this gnocchi recipe, you might want to give Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach a try – it’s a fantastic way to enjoy gnocchi with a different texture and flavor. If you love this sauce, you should check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Last but not least, for a tasty and easy chicken recipe, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken will become your new favourite.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even the best cooks encounter occasional challenges. Here are some common issues you might face when making Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi, along with solutions:

• Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce.
• Cheese is Clumping: To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure to use freshly grated cheese and stir it in gradually over low heat.
• Gnocchi is Mushy: To avoid mushy gnocchi, don’t overcook it! Cook it just until it floats to the surface and is tender but still firm.
• Chicken is Dry: To prevent dry chicken, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add the gnocchi just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as the gnocchi can become mushy and the sauce may separate. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it contains gnocchi, which is typically made from potatoes and wheat flour. However, you can use gluten-free gnocchi to make it gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, or any other hard Italian cheese for the Asiago cheese.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and peas are all great additions to this dish.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

There you have it! Your very own homemade Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi, ready to impress your family and friends (and yourself!). With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking!

Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi Amazing

This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy experience at home. Tender chicken and soft gnocchi are coated in a creamy Asiago cheese sauce, making it a comforting and impressive dish perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish optional

Equipment

• large skillet
• mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• knife
• Stirring spoon
• Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about 1/2 teaspoon).
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
7. Add the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
8. Gently stir in the gnocchi. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
9. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Asiago cheese until melted and smooth.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Don’t overcook the gnocchi; cook it until it floats to the surface. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.