Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, spicy-sweet sauce. The harissa paste adds a smoky heat that blends beautifully with the creamy base, while the gnocchi soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce. It’s an easy one-pan dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
-
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Cooking Time
-
Prep time: 10 minutes
-
Cook time: 20 minutes
-
Total time: 30 minutes
Serving
-
Serves 4
Instructions
-
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté aromatics:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. -
Add the harissa:
Stir in the harissa paste and cook for 1 minute to release its flavor. -
Make the sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream, then return the chicken to the pan. Add the gnocchi directly (no need to boil it separately) and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the gnocchi is tender. -
Finish the dish:
Stir in Parmesan and spinach (if using) until the greens wilt and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. -
Serve:
Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Tips
-
For a smoky twist, use roasted red pepper harissa.
-
Add roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness.
-
Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot harissa depending on your taste.
Nutrition (per serving)
-
Calories: 520
-
Protein: 35g
-
Carbohydrates: 40g
-
Fat: 22g
-
Fiber: 3g
This Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi is the perfect mix of comfort and spice — hearty, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors that turn any night into something special.
