Description
Creamy harissa chicken and gnocchi is a bold and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced harissa sauce with soft potato gnocchi and fresh greens. The dish balances richness, warmth, and a gentle kick of heat for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the harissa paste and cook briefly to release its aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and spinach.
- Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it warm through in the sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Adjust the amount of harissa depending on your preferred spice level.
- Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra vegetables.
- Kale or arugula can replace spinach for a slightly different flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream and omit the parmesan.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
