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High-Protein Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

A rich, creamy, and high-protein chicken gnocchi dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a luscious cheese sauce made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting yet nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk cottage cheese
  • 3 oz. shredded mozzarella (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 1 cup)

Broth and Liquids

  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

Meat and Protein

  • 4 slices bacon (about 4 oz.), cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 3 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (4 oz.) fresh spinach

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Other

  • 1 (17-oz.) package gnocchi

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cottage Cheese Sauce: In a blender, blend the whole milk cottage cheese with 3/4 cup of the low-sodium chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds. Set this creamy mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cook Bacon: Place the bacon pieces in a large, cold skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 7 to 9 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon to a plate and reserve the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Brown Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet with the reserved bacon fat in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until both sides are browned, about 6 minutes per side. Note that the chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the chicken to another plate.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until shallots become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer Chicken: Pour in 1/2 cup of the low-sodium chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet and cover with a lid. Let simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a clean cutting board and keep covered to stay warm.
  6. Reduce Sauce and Finish: Keep the sauce at a simmer uncovered, cooking it until the liquid has nearly evaporated. Add the reserved cottage cheese and broth mixture back into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the package of gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted and tender. If the sauce becomes too thick at this stage, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth. Finally, fold in three-quarters of the cooked bacon and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  7. Slice and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts crosswise into pieces and return them to the skillet. Season with freshly ground black pepper and gently combine. Serve the creamy chicken gnocchi hot, topped with the reserved bacon.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to keep the sodium levels moderate and adjust salt to taste.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
  • If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, adding additional broth will help maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens like kale if desired.
  • To save time, pre-cooked or leftover grilled chicken can be used, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy chicken gnocchi, high protein chicken recipe, cheesy chicken gnocchi, skillet chicken dinner, comfort food, quick chicken gnocchi

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Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/high-protein-creamy-chicken-gnocchi-recipe/