If you're on the hunt for a cozy, heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the comforting essence of fall, look no further than this Chicken Bacon Pumpkin Gnocchi! This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy pumpkin sauce, all enveloping pillowy gnocchi for a meal that’s not just a feast for the stomach, but also for the eyes. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends, making them wonder if you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes! Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform cubes, chopping bacon into small pieces, and measuring out pumpkin puree and other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chopped bacon until crisp and golden, rendering its fat. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add cubed chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add pumpkin puree and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to boil and cook gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Drain gnocchi and add directly to the skillet with chicken and pumpkin sauce. Sprinkle dried sage over the mixture.
- Gently toss everything together, ensuring gnocchi is well coated with sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the top of the dish before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or additional sage if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This will streamline your cooking process.
- Bacon Flavor: Don’t rush the bacon cooking process; letting it get nice and crispy will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. The rendered fat is key to adding depth to the sauce.
- Gnocchi Cooking: Keep an eye on the gnocchi while they cook. They only need about 2-3 minutes in boiling water, and they’re ready when they float to the surface.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or even a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sage just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
