Express Sweet Pepper and Spinach Gnocchi with Balsamic Chicken and Chili Ricotta
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Express Sweet Pepper and Spinach Gnocchi with Balsamic Chicken and Chili Ricotta

A quick and original recipe of gnocchi tossed in a silky red pepper and spinach sauce, topped with balsamic-glazed chicken and dollops of chili-kissed ricotta. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor.

10 minPrep
18 minCook
28 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g potato gnocchi (of cocción quick, envasados)
  • 400 g chicken breast (cut in strips finas)
  • 180 g roasted red pepper strips (escurridas si son of frasco)
  • 90 g fresh spinach (lavada)
  • 120 g ricotta cheese (for servir)
  • 80 g red onion (en pluma fina)
  • 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 30 ml balsamic vinegar (divided)
  • 120 ml light cream (or cream ligera)
  • 80 ml chicken broth or water (for afinar the sauce)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g sweet paprika
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (more a poco extra optional)
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 5 g salt (ajustar to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (ajustar to taste)
  • 25 g grated Parmesan cheese (for terminar)
  • 8 g fresh basil (chopped or rasgada)

Nutrition facts

per serving

558 kcal
Calories
32 g
Protein
46 g
Carbs
27 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
42 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sweet paprika, dried oregano, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the rest.

  2. 2

    2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package, usually 2 to 3 minutes, until they float. Drain and reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the cooking water.

  3. 3

    3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until fully cooked and it reaches 165°F/74°C in the center. Transfer to a plate.

  4. 4

    4. In the same skillet, add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add the roasted red pepper strips and the remaining balsamic vinegar, and cook for 1 minute to concentrate the flavors.

  5. 5

    5. Pour in the light cream and chicken broth or water. Add the fresh spinach, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes lightly creamy.

  6. 6

    6. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss for 1 to 2 minutes. If needed, add a little of the reserved cooking water so the sauce coats the gnocchi well.

  7. 7

    7. Mix the ricotta with an extra pinch of red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of the grated Parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    8. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently toss for 1 minute to warm everything through evenly.

  9. 9

    9. Serve the gnocchi with spoonfuls of chili ricotta on top. Finish with the remaining grated Parmesan and fresh basil. If you want to hold the dish warm before serving, you can keep it for 1 to 2 minutes in a preheated oven at 200°F/95°C.

Chef tips

For better browning, do not move the chicken during the first minute in the skillet. If you want more texture, sauté the drained gnocchi for 1 extra minute before adding the sauce.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for turkey strips. Ricotta can be replaced with soft cream cheese, and basil with fresh parsley. If you do not have cream, use 100 g Greek yogurt and stir it in off the heat to prevent splitting.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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