Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors with grilled chicken in roasted red pepper sauce paired with soft and cheesy gnocchi. This dish combines juicy grilled chicken with a velvety sauce made from roasted red peppers, shallots, and garlic, all melded together with creamy half and half and pecorino romano. Finished with fresh basil and baby spinach, this meal is both satisfying and vibrant.
Photos of Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi Recipe
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. The Delallo potato cheese Italian gnocchi kit might not be readily available in every pantry. Additionally, roasted red peppers in water and pecorino romano cheese might require a trip to the grocery store. These ingredients are essential for achieving the authentic taste and texture of the dish.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi
Chicken breast: Adds protein and a savory flavor to the dish.
Delallo potato cheese Italian gnocchi kit: Provides the soft, pillowy gnocchi with a hint of cheese.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich flavor.
Shallots: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic and robust flavor.
Roasted red peppers: Gives the sauce a sweet, smoky flavor.
Broth: Helps to blend the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Fresh black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and flavor complexity.
Half and half cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
Pecorino romano: Provides a sharp, tangy cheese flavor.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, green component to the dish.
Fresh basil: Adds a burst of aromatic, fresh flavor.
One reader, Cathryn Daley says:
This grilled chicken in roasted red pepper sauce gnocchi recipe is a game-changer. The creamy, flavorful sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and gnocchi. The fresh basil adds a delightful touch. A must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game!
Techniques Required
How to prepare gnocchi: Follow the package directions to cook the gnocchi properly. How to sauté shallots and garlic: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add shallots and garlic, and cook until soft. How to blend ingredients: Transfer sautéed shallots, garlic, roasted peppers, and broth to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. How to cook spinach: Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. How to combine gnocchi and sauce: Drain the cooked gnocchi and add it to the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
How To Make Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi
Cook to impress with this gnocchi recipe. It has grilled chicken and spinach in a red pepper sauce made creamy by Pecorino Romano cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken breast,cooked grilled, sliced thin
- 1pkgDeLallo Potato Cheese Italian Gnocchi Kit
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:
- 2tspolive oil
- ¼cupshallots,minced
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 24ozroasted red peppers in water,(2 jars), drained
- ½cupbroth,(veggie or chicken)
- ½tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper,to taste
- ¼cuphalf and half cream
- ¼cuppecorino romano,plus more for serving
- 2cupsbaby spinach
- ¼cupfresh basil,chopped
Instructions
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Prepare gnocchi according to package directions.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until soft. Transfer to a food processor or blender along with the roasted peppers and broth until smooth.
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Pour the pepper puree back into the skillet over medium heat. Bring to a boil, add the half and half, Pecorino, salt, and pepper, and stir until heated, add the spinach and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until wilted.
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Meanwhile in a large pot of salted water cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
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Add fresh basil and serve in bowls with extra cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 423.20kcal
- Fat: 17.45g
- Saturated Fat: 6.79g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.35g
- Carbohydrates: 40.10g
- Fiber: 4.32g
- Sugar: 7.62g
- Protein: 27.19g
- Cholesterol: 98.75mg
- Sodium: 530.20mg
- Calcium: 132.14mg
- Potassium: 815.28mg
- Iron: 3.33mg
- Vitamin A: 307.61µg
- Vitamin C: 248.00mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting the Technique
When making the roasted red pepper sauce, ensure you sauté the shallots and garlic until they are soft but not browned. This will bring out their sweetness and create a more balanced flavor in the sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken breast from the store. Just slice and add to the sauce.
Buy pre-made roasted red pepper sauce: Opt for a store-bought roasted red pepper sauce to skip the blending step.
Pre-wash spinach: Purchase pre-washed baby spinach to avoid extra prep time.
Use a food processor: A food processor can blend the sauce faster than a blender.
Cook gnocchi in advance: Prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and store it in the fridge until needed.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi Recipe
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for chicken breast in this recipe.
delallo potato cheese italian gnocchi kit - Substitute with store-bought potato gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi can be used as a convenient alternative, though it may lack the cheese component.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil.
shallots - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor as shallots when sautéed.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it may lack the same intensity of flavor.
roasted red peppers in water - Substitute with fresh red bell peppers: Fresh red bell peppers can be roasted at home to achieve a similar flavor and texture.
broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of kosher salt, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.
fresh black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor, though it will be less visually noticeable in the dish.
half and half cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
pecorino romano - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for pecorino romano.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can provide a similar texture and nutritional profile, though it may require slightly longer cooking.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh basil, though it will have a more concentrated flavor.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the gnocchi and grilled chicken in a minimalist, elegant manner. Use a small, shallow bowl to highlight the dish's colors and textures.
Use decoration: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of pecorino romano on top. Add a light drizzle of olive oil around the plate for a glossy finish.
Layer the components: Place a bed of baby spinach at the bottom of the bowl. Arrange the gnocchi and grilled chicken pieces on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Highlight the sauce: Pour the roasted red pepper sauce over the gnocchi and chicken, allowing it to pool slightly at the bottom of the bowl. This creates a vibrant contrast with the other ingredients.
Add texture: Include a few crispy shallots or garlic chips on top for an added crunch. This will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft gnocchi and tender chicken.
Use a clean plate: Ensure the edges of the bowl are spotless. Wipe away any stray sauce or crumbs to maintain a pristine presentation.
Balance the colors: Make sure the green of the baby spinach and basil contrasts beautifully with the red of the roasted red pepper sauce and the golden-brown grilled chicken. This visual appeal is crucial for a Michelin-star presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Large skillet: Used to sauté the shallots and garlic, and to cook the roasted red pepper sauce.
Food processor: Blends the sautéed shallots, garlic, and roasted red peppers into a smooth puree.
Blender: An alternative to the food processor for pureeing the roasted red pepper mixture.
Large pot: Used to cook the gnocchi in salted water.
Colander: Drains the cooked gnocchi before adding it to the sauce.
Measuring cups: Measures the broth, half and half cream, and pecorino romano cheese accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measures the olive oil, kosher salt, and other small quantity ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Stirs the sauce and combines the gnocchi with the sauce and chicken.
Chef's knife: Chops the shallots, garlic, and fresh basil.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Tongs: Helps handle the chicken breast while grilling and mixing the gnocchi with the sauce.
Grill pan: Used to grill the chicken breast to perfection.
Mixing bowl: Holds the cooked gnocchi before combining it with the sauce.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the final dish with extra cheese if desired.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Allow the gnocchi and chicken to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled gnocchi and chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen gnocchi and chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to help reconstitute the sauce.
- If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a small amount of broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
- For best results, consume the reheated gnocchi and chicken within 2-3 days of thawing.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Reheat the grilled chicken and gnocchi separately for the best texture and flavor
- For the chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Cover the chicken loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist
- For the gnocchi, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the gnocchi to become soggy
- Stir gently to prevent the gnocchi from breaking apart
- To reheat the roasted red pepper sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth, heavy cream, or water
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed
- Once the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce are heated, combine them in a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil and grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to bring it back to life
- For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the dish under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning
Random Fact about Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi
A fun fact about this recipe is that roasted red peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for eye health and immune function.
Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This grilled chicken in roasted red pepper sauce with gnocchi is a delightful yet cost-effective option for a household. The ingredients like chicken breast, shallots, garlic, and baby spinach are reasonably priced and easily accessible. The use of pecorino romano and half and half cream adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $25-$30 for a household of 4 people.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for grilled chicken in roasted red pepper sauce gnocchi has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy elements:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Roasted red peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants
- Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals
- Garlic and basil offer health benefits and flavor
Less healthy aspects:
- Gnocchi, although delicious, is a refined carbohydrate
- The sauce contains half and half cream, which adds saturated fat
- Pecorino Romano cheese contributes to the overall fat and sodium content
While this dish has some nutritious ingredients, it could be made healthier with a few tweaks.
To make this recipe more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap regular gnocchi for whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi to increase fiber and reduce refined carbs
- Use a lower-fat alternative to half and half, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to maintain creaminess while cutting down on saturated fat
- Reduce the amount of Pecorino Romano cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease the overall fat and sodium content
- Increase the amount of spinach and add other vegetables, like sautéed zucchini or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
- Serve smaller portions of the gnocchi and pair it with a side salad to create a more balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dish
This recipe combines the comforting textures of gnocchi with a vibrant roasted red pepper sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of baby spinach and fresh basil adds a refreshing touch, while the pecorino romano provides a savory depth. The grilled chicken complements the dish well, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The use of half and half cream ensures a rich, velvety sauce without being overly heavy. Overall, this dish is a fantastic blend of Italian-inspired ingredients that will impress any dinner guest.
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Why trust this Grilled Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Gnocchi Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted red peppers and pecorino romano with the comforting texture of gnocchi. The chicken breast adds a hearty protein, while the baby spinach and fresh basil bring a fresh, vibrant touch. The use of half and half cream ensures a creamy consistency without being overly heavy. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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