Discover the Creamy Delight of Chicken and Gnocchi in Butternut Squash Sauce

Introduction to Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this delectable “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce” dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, velvety butternut squash sauce for a comforting, one-pot meal that’s sure to please. By using seasonal ingredients like fresh gnocchi and butternut squash, this recipe highlights the best of autumn’s bounty. The creamy sauce provides a luxurious backdrop, while the chicken and gnocchi add heartiness and texture. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a chilly evening, this “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce” is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown: CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI IN CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SAUCE

To craft this “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce,” you’ll need a few key ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast – The protein foundation of the dish, providing a source of lean, nutrient-rich meat.
• 3 tablespoons flour – Used to dredge the chicken, creating a light coating that helps the chicken brown and develop a delicious crust.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a touch of warmth and color to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon basil – Provides an aromatic, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt – Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick of heat and depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar – Infuses the chicken with a savory, tangy note from the sun-dried tomatoes.

Remaining Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion – Provides a flavorful aromatic base for the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic – Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
• 1 cup butternut squash or pumpkin puree – The star of the creamy sauce, lending a velvety texture and seasonal sweetness.
• 1 1/4 (300ml) cups chicken broth – Adds depth of flavor and helps create the creamy sauce consistency.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream – Provides a rich, luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon basil – Adds a complementary herbal note to the sauce.
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika – Enhances the color and warm spice flavors.
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained – Lends a savory, tangy element to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup (45g) grated Parmesan cheese – Contributes a salty, umami punch of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream – Adds a subtle tang and further creaminess to the sauce.
• 1 lb (450g) fresh gnocchi – The pillowy pasta that soaks up the delectable sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For final seasoning adjustments.

Preparing the Chicken

To start, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, basil, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sautéing the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Making the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce

Stir in the butternut squash puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese and sour cream. Gently mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Cooking the Gnocchi

In a separate pot, cook the fresh gnocchi according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and add it to the sauce-coated chicken. Stir to ensure the gnocchi is evenly coated and combined with the delectable sauce.

Seasoning and Serving: CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI IN CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SAUCE

Taste the “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce” and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish warm, allowing the flavors to shine and the gnocchi to soak up the rich, velvety sauce.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup
• Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

FAQs: CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI IN CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SAUCE

Can I use store-bought gnocchi, or should I make it from scratch?

You can definitely use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe. Fresh gnocchi will provide a softer, more pillowy texture, but pre-made gnocchi will also work well and save you some time in the kitchen.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour for the chicken dredge and swapping the regular gnocchi for a gluten-free version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so those changes will allow you to enjoy this recipe without any wheat-based products.

How can I make the butternut squash sauce extra creamy?

To achieve an even creamier butternut squash sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream used or blend in some additional butternut squash puree. You can also try using an immersion blender directly in the skillet to create a silkier, more velvety texture.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time and reheated?

Absolutely! This “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce” is an excellent make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of combining the chicken and sauce, then allow it to cool completely. Store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together, then add the cooked gnocchi and warm through. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Indulge in the cozy, comforting flavors of “Chicken and Gnocchi in Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce” this season. With its tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and velvety butternut squash sauce, this dish is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and let the seasonal ingredients and rich, creamy sauce transport you to autumn bliss.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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