Description
The Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a flavorful, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, all combined in a rich and spicy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of heat and creaminess with fresh greens for nutrition and color.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Chicken breast or thighs, diced
- Smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small strips
Carbohydrates
- Gnocchi (traditional or gluten-free variety)
Dairy and Alternatives
- Plant-based cheese
- Plant-based cream
Vegetables and Greens
- Spinach or kale leaves
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- Vegetable broth
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Seasonings and Spices
- Cajun seasoning (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the smoked turkey bacon into strips. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sear the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning (natural) over the aromatics and stir well to evenly coat. Allow the spices to toast briefly to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi are golden and slightly crispy on the outside but tender inside.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for depth of flavor. Stir in plant-based cream and plant-based cheese until the cheese melts and forms a rich, creamy sauce enveloping the gnocchi and chicken.
- Finish with Greens and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Stir in fresh spinach or kale leaves and cook until wilted and vibrant. Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon to the skillet and combine gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and to prevent burning when sautéing spices.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken and gnocchi in batches if necessary for best texture.
- Toast Cajun spices gently to boost aroma without bitterness.
- Cook gnocchi until just golden to maintain contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more or less plant-based cream depending on your preferred sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cajun, chicken, gnocchi, plant-based, creamy, one-pan, quick dinner, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free, spicy