Description
This Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet features tender chicken breast, pillowy potato gnocchi, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and vibrant Cajun spices all combined in a creamy plant-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal delivers bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 200g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, cut into small strips
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Starch
- 300g potato gnocchi
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix (paprika, cayenne, oregano, etc.)
- Salt (natural), to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup heavy (plant-based) cream
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (for sauce thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion and bell peppers finely, mince the garlic, and cut the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Having everything ready helps your cooking flow smoothly.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Cajun spice mix, then cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the rest of the Cajun seasoning to coat the veggies evenly.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to turn golden and lightly crispy on the edges.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy (plant-based) cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken with the help of the natural gelling agent for about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the smoked turkey bacon to the skillet and toss in fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly ground Cajun spice mix for the most vibrant flavor.
- Properly sear the chicken to lock in juices and develop caramelized flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook gnocchi quickly so they keep their shape and develop a crisp texture.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy (plant-based) cream with vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken gnocchi, one pan meal, creamy skillet, plant-based cream, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner
