Looking for a cozy meal that bursts with flavor? Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is just what you need! This dish combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce that warms the heart. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps and share helpful tips to make your own flavor-packed comfort meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi
The heart of this dish lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fresh or frozen gnocchi
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
These ingredients create a creamy, savory meal that warms your heart.
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
You can make this dish your own with a few swaps and additions:
– Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
– Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
– Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.
– For spice lovers, red pepper flakes can add heat.
These options keep it fun and personal.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
To make cooking easier, use these tools:
– A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.
– A cutting board and sharp knife for prep work.
– A wooden spoon for stirring the sauce.
– Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
Having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. For the full recipe, click here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the pieces are fully done and nicely browned. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Creamy Asiago Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, until it smells nice but doesn’t brown. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Asiago cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and silky.
Combining Gnocchi and Spinach
Carefully add the gnocchi to the creamy sauce. If you are using fresh gnocchi, cook them in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until they float. For frozen gnocchi, follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once the gnocchi is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the chopped spinach and stir everything together. Cook until the spinach wilts and everything is warm, about 2-3 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed.
For a full and delicious experience, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Sauce Texture
To make a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives richness and smoothness. Stir in the Asiago cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. For a thinner sauce, keep stirring and let it simmer longer.
Cooking Gnocchi: Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen ones. If you use fresh, they usually float after 2-3 minutes. For frozen gnocchi, follow the package instructions. They might take a bit longer. Always test a piece to make sure they’re tender. This way, you avoid overcooking and losing flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi
Serve the dish in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add fresh basil leaves on top. They give a bright color and fresh taste. You can also sprinkle extra Asiago cheese for more flavor. Pair with a light salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make this dish lighter by using low-fat cream. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. You can also use olive oil spray instead of regular oil. This reduces fat without losing flavor. Choose lean chicken cuts, like chicken thighs, for a tasty change.
Adding Vegetables
Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Try mixing in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. You can also use broccoli or zucchini for extra crunch. Spinach is great, but feel free to add kale or arugula instead. These veggies add color and nutrients.
Flavor Profile Changes
To change the flavor, play with spices. Adding crushed red pepper gives a nice kick. You can also try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. For a tangy touch, add lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and enhances the creamy sauce.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Asiago chicken and gnocchi fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from mixing.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat your leftovers easily. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This method takes about 2-3 minutes.
Freezing Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Portion out the dish into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and the meal delicious.
For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
FAQs
What is the best way to serve Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi?
Serve Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi in shallow bowls. This lets the sauce shine. Add a sprinkle of grated Asiago on top. Fresh basil leaves make a nice touch. You can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread. This adds texture and flavor to your meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the gnocchi in the fridge as well. When ready to eat, combine everything and reheat gently. This keeps the gnocchi from getting mushy.
Is there a vegetarian option for Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi?
You can make a vegetarian version easily. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the cream and Asiago to maintain flavor. This way, you can enjoy the same comforting dish without meat.
You now understand the key ingredients and steps to make Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi. We covered the main ingredients, optional substitutions, and cooking tips. I shared how to perfect your sauce texture and highlighted serving suggestions. There are variations to try, plus storage and reheating tips for leftovers.
Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is simple, tasty, and adaptable. You can create a dish that suits your taste and diet. Enjoy cooking this delicious meal and make it your own!
![The heart of this dish lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup fresh or frozen gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Asiago cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a creamy, savory meal that warms your heart. You can make this dish your own with a few swaps and additions: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. - For spice lovers, red pepper flakes can add heat. These options keep it fun and personal. To make cooking easier, use these tools: - A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce. - A cutting board and sharp knife for prep work. - A wooden spoon for stirring the sauce. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. For the full recipe, click here. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the pieces are fully done and nicely browned. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, until it smells nice but doesn’t brown. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Asiago cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and silky. Carefully add the gnocchi to the creamy sauce. If you are using fresh gnocchi, cook them in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until they float. For frozen gnocchi, follow the package instructions for cooking time. Once the gnocchi is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the chopped spinach and stir everything together. Cook until the spinach wilts and everything is warm, about 2-3 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. For a full and delicious experience, check out the Full Recipe. To make a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives richness and smoothness. Stir in the Asiago cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. For a thinner sauce, keep stirring and let it simmer longer. Fresh gnocchi cooks faster than frozen ones. If you use fresh, they usually float after 2-3 minutes. For frozen gnocchi, follow the package instructions. They might take a bit longer. Always test a piece to make sure they’re tender. This way, you avoid overcooking and losing flavor. Serve the dish in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add fresh basil leaves on top. They give a bright color and fresh taste. You can also sprinkle extra Asiago cheese for more flavor. Pair with a light salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. {{image_4}} You can make this dish lighter by using low-fat cream. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. You can also use olive oil spray instead of regular oil. This reduces fat without losing flavor. Choose lean chicken cuts, like chicken thighs, for a tasty change. Adding vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Try mixing in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. You can also use broccoli or zucchini for extra crunch. Spinach is great, but feel free to add kale or arugula instead. These veggies add color and nutrients. To change the flavor, play with spices. Adding crushed red pepper gives a nice kick. You can also try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. For a tangy touch, add lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and enhances the creamy sauce. To keep your Asiago chicken and gnocchi fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any odors from mixing. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat your leftovers easily. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This method takes about 2-3 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Portion out the dish into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and the meal delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Serve Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi in shallow bowls. This lets the sauce shine. Add a sprinkle of grated Asiago on top. Fresh basil leaves make a nice touch. You can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread. This adds texture and flavor to your meal. Yes, you can prepare Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the gnocchi in the fridge as well. When ready to eat, combine everything and reheat gently. This keeps the gnocchi from getting mushy. You can make a vegetarian version easily. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the cream and Asiago to maintain flavor. This way, you can enjoy the same comforting dish without meat. You now understand the key ingredients and steps to make Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi. We covered the main ingredients, optional substitutions, and cooking tips. I shared how to perfect your sauce texture and highlighted serving suggestions. There are variations to try, plus storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Asiago Chicken & Gnocchi is simple, tasty, and adaptable. You can create a dish that suits your taste and diet. Enjoy cooking this delicious meal and make it your own!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b1cfa3d3-e013-493f-b00f-3e3794db4572-300x300.webp)