There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially as the days grow shorter and the nights a bit cooler. For me, this feeling often comes flooding back to memories of family dinners around the table, laughter mixing with the aroma of something delicious bubbling away in the kitchen. One of my absolute favorites to whip up on a cozy evening is Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
This dish perfectly combines the gentle, pillowy texture of gnocchi with the vibrant, spicy kick of harissa. The rich cream sauce envelops everything in a dreamy embrace, making even the busiest weeknight feel like a special occasion. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan wonder that will impress anyone you share it with!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner – ready in about 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Comforting, creamy flavors that warm the soul.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- One-pan simplicity means less cleanup!
Ingredients
Grab these ingredients to create a symphony of flavors:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (about 17-20 oz) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic packs way more punch than powdered!)
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. They’re done when they float to the top. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse! That little bit of starch left on them will help thicken the sauce.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sweat the Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent, then stir in your minced garlic. You want to enjoy that garlic aroma just a bit before adding more!
- Bring on the Spice: Add the harissa paste to the onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance—this is your dish, after all!
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then add the dried oregano.
- Reintroduce the Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken back into the pan, allowing it to soak up those creamy harissa flavors. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine with Gnocchi: Gently fold in the gnocchi, allowing everything to mingle together for a couple of minutes. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a bit more chicken broth.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Dive in and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own! Here are some fun ideas:
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some baby spinach or kale right at the end for a nutritious green twist.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp or cooked sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile!
- Nutty Flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts as a crunchy topping.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To create the coziest meal experience, I love to serve this creamy harissa chicken & gnocchi with a side of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up the sauce! A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. And if you’re in the mood for something warm to sip on, a nice cup of herbal tea or a glass of white wine pairs beautifully!
Storage Tips
This dish keeps reasonably well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain that creamy goodness. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it appears too thick. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture of the gnocchi may change a bit when thawed. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it gently on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or make my own?
Absolutely! While I love the convenience of store-bought gnocchi, homemade gnocchi is a fantastic project if you’ve got the time. Just make sure to cook them to the right texture—pillowy and light!
What if I can’t find harissa paste?
No worries! If harissa isn’t available, you can make a simple substitute with a mixture of cayenne pepper, paprika, and a little olive oil for flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still pack a delightful kick!
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level really depends on how much harissa you use. You can start with a tablespoon and taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and the cream sauce ahead of time, but I recommend adding the gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to serve. It keeps them from becoming too mushy!
What kind of chicken can I use?
Chicken thighs are my go-to for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts work too. Just ensure they’re cooked through and not dried out!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is ready to warm your heart and fill your belly. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please share your thoughts and any delightful twists you added in the comments below. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Irresistible Creamy Harissa Chicken Gnocchi Recipe Unveiled
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor the bold flavors of Creamy Harissa Chicken paired with fluffy gnocchi in this delectable dish Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner 149 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is a comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich harissa cream sauce, making it an easy one-pan meal perfect for any weeknight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: Creamy Harissa Chicken, Gnocchi, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food
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