Hey there, my lovely food friends! Today, I’m really excited to share with you a dish that’s almost become a staple in my kitchen: Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi. Every time I make this dish, I can’t help but smile as it fills my home with the most intoxicating aromas of spice and creaminess. It’s one of those meals that simply wraps you in a cozy embrace, wouldn’t you agree?

Let me take you back to a chilly evening last winter. I had just returned home after a long day, and all I could think about was something warm and comforting to nourish my soul. That’s when I decided to whip up this creamy, spicy delight. The harissa adds just the right amount of heat, while the gnocchi soaks up all the delicious flavors, making every bite an absolute pleasure! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has my heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a plus!
• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting flavors: A delightful fusion of creaminess and heat.
• Customizable: You can tweak it based on your preferences.
• Budget-friendly: Gnocchi and chicken won’t break the bank!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh adds a lot more punch than powdered!)
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious creaminess)
• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought works just fine!)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen; adds fantastic color and nutrition)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but makes it pretty!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to cooking! Here’s how you can create this beautiful dish in just a few simple steps:

1. Heat it up: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot before you add the chicken.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with a little salt and pepper. Let them cook for about 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan or you won’t get that lovely browning!
3. Onion and garlic time: Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The smell will be heavenly!
4. Let’s spice it up: Stir in the harissa paste, mixing it well with the chicken and onion. The color will get vibrant and deep – so gorgeous!
5. Add the broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly. This step is crucial – as it creates that velvety sauce we all love!
6. Gnocchi magic: Add the gnocchi to the skillet and give it a good stir. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface. Trust me, you’ll want to taste them at this stage!
7. In with the greens: Add the spinach and stir until just wilted. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a bit of nutrition that you can feel good about!
8. Final touch: Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. And there you have it! A creamy luscious meal that’s ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, let’s spice things up a bit – literally! Here are some variations and tips to make this dish your own:

• Change the protein: Shrimp or even tofu can be great substitutes for chicken! Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
• Feeling adventurous? Try adding some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra layers of flavor. Yum!
• Herb it up: Fresh dill or basil would be delightful added at the end – think freshness!
• Cheesy twist: For a cheesy finish, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top just before serving!
• Spice it to your taste: If you love heat, feel free to add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes in addition to harissa.

Serving Suggestions

As this dish is rich and creamy, I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or a crusty piece of bread to mop up that dreamy sauce. A glass of white wine or a nice herbal tea pairs perfectly too – just soak in the cozy vibes!

It’s a lovely dish that’s not just about the taste; it’s about sharing warmth with those you love, right? So set the table warmly, and dig into this delightful Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi.

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

• Refrigerate: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze it, be sure to leave out the spinach and add it when you reheat. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. You want it creamy and dreamy every time!

FAQs

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi cooks even quicker, so keep an eye on them as they float to the surface, which indicates they’re done.

What if I can’t find harissa paste?

No worries! You can use a mix of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper for a similar smoky, spicy flavor. Alternatively, any chili paste you love will work in a pinch!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use non-dairy gnocchi if needed!

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in any veggies you have in your fridge! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli would work beautifully in this dish.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Absolutely! This recipe is super easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. Just keep an eye on cooking times if you change the quantities!

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your very own bowl of Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi, filled with warmth and flavor. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do because nothing makes my heart happier than sharing right from my kitchen to yours. If you give it a try, please let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear about your own twists and experiences. Happy cooking, my friends! 🍽️❤️

Delicious Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe Awaits

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of creamy Harissa chicken paired with tender gnocchi a perfect dish for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 tablespoon harissa paste

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 pound gnocchi

1 cup spinach

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

Stir in harissa paste, mix well with chicken and onion.

Pour in chicken broth and cream, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly.

Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float.

Stir in spinach until wilted.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

A delightful one-pot recipe featuring creamy harissa chicken and gnocchi, perfect for cozy evenings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 34 grams

Keywords: Creamy Harissa Chicken, Gnocchi, One-pot Recipe, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner