Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi: Prepare to experience a culinary collision of comfort food favorites! Imagine the tender, pillowy softness of gnocchi embracing the rich, savory flavors of classic chicken parmesan. It’s a match made in heaven, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Chicken parmesan, with its Italian-American roots, has long been a beloved dish, offering a satisfying combination of crispy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Gnocchi, on the other hand, boasts a history stretching back to ancient Rome, where these small dumplings were made from semolina flour and water. Over time, potatoes became a key ingredient, lending gnocchi their signature light and airy texture.

What makes this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes. The soft gnocchi provides a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken, while the vibrant tomato sauce and gooey cheese tie everything together in a symphony of flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a fantastic weeknight meal option that’s sure to impress. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and satisfying experience that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• For the Gnocchi:
• 1.5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1-1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups Italian Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil, for frying
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped, for garnish
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Making the Gnocchi:

Okay, let’s start with the gnocchi. Don’t be intimidated! It’s easier than you think, and the homemade taste is totally worth it.

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
2. Drain and Rice the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well in a colander. The drier the potatoes, the better the gnocchi will be. Immediately pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill into a large bowl. This is crucial for a light and fluffy gnocchi texture. If you don’t have a ricer, you can use a fine-mesh sieve and push the potatoes through with a spoon, but be prepared for a little extra work.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the riced potatoes cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. You don’t want them completely cold, just cool enough to handle comfortably.
4. Add Egg and Parmesan: Add the lightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the potatoes. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the gnocchi tough.
5. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, starting with 1 cup. Gently mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet. You might need to add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Remember, less is more! Overworking the dough will result in tough gnocchi.
6. Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for just a minute or two, until it forms a smooth ball. Don’t over-knead!
7. Roll and Cut the Gnocchi: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Use a knife or dough scraper to cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
8. Shape the Gnocchi (Optional): For a more traditional look, you can roll each gnocchi piece over a gnocchi board or the back of a fork to create ridges. This helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi. If you don’t have a gnocchi board, don’t worry! They’ll taste just as delicious without the ridges.
9. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot! The gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked gnocchi from the water and drain them well. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Chicken:

Now, let’s get that chicken ready. We’re going for crispy, golden-brown perfection!

1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove and Drain: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

A good tomato sauce is the heart of Chicken Parmesan. This one is simple, flavorful, and perfect for this dish.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Time to put everything together and bake it to cheesy, bubbly perfection.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish (9×13 inch). Arrange the cooked gnocchi over the sauce. Top with the fried chicken breasts.
3. Add More Sauce: Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well covered.
4. Add the Cheese: Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered chicken. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. I truly believe this dish is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and relatively easy weeknight dinner. The combination of the pillowy soft gnocchi, the crispy, cheesy chicken, and the rich, tangy tomato sauce is simply divine. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a special date night in. But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! For a lighter version, you could use grilled chicken breasts instead of breaded and fried. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat for those who like a little kick. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the gnocchi. Some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce, is always a welcome addition. And for a truly decadent experience, pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine. Consider these variations to elevate your Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi experience: * Creamy Pesto Gnocchi: Stir in a dollop of pesto into the sauce for a vibrant, herbaceous twist. * Spicy Arrabbiata Gnocchi: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick. * Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken altogether and load up on your favorite vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. * Baked Gnocchi Casserole: Combine all the ingredients in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown for a comforting casserole. * Gorgonzola Gnocchi: Crumble some Gorgonzola cheese over the finished dish for a tangy and pungent flavor. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I poured my heart into creating a dish that is both delicious and accessible, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients or steps. It’s all very straightforward, and the end result is well worth the effort. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so put on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let your creativity flow. Once you’ve tried this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavors? Did your family and friends enjoy it? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help!

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