If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than this Sheet Pan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe! With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, this Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan. Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as the flavors meld together, creating a comforting meal that will leave your family asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the gnocchi with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This will help them crisp up during roasting.
- Spread the seasoned chicken pieces and gnocchi evenly across the sheet pan, leaving some space between each ingredient to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the sheet pan, drizzling the remaining olive oil over all ingredients.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning of chicken and gnocchi.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the gnocchi are golden and crispy.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and immediately scatter fresh spinach leaves over the hot chicken and gnocchi. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to slightly cool.
- Serve hot directly from the sheet pan, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning a few hours in advance or even the night before. This will enhance the flavor and make for a quicker cooking process.
- Crispy Gnocchi: Make sure to give the gnocchi a good toss in olive oil before roasting. This helps them achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Even Cooking: Arrange the chicken and gnocchi with enough space between them on the sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate and ensures everything cooks evenly, preventing soggy spots.
- Fresh Spinach: Add the spinach right after pulling the pan from the oven. The residual heat will wilt the leaves perfectly without overcooking them, preserving their bright color and nutrients.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for added flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly roasted.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh basil or a generous grating of Parmesan cheese just before serving can elevate this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 504kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 42g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
