Good Food Done Smarter.
About the Recipe
Swapping out traditional starches for gnocchi instantly elevates this dish, proving that creating a sophisticated dining experience doesn’t have to mean extra effort. Creamy Basil Gnocchi with Blackened Chicken & Asparagus brings together tender, pillowy gnocchi coated in a luscious basil-infused cream sauce that’s full of flavor yet easy to make. The smoky, bold seasoning of the blackened chicken adds depth, while the crisp, pan-seared asparagus provides the perfect fresh contrast. It’s a d
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
1 package Delallo potato gnocchi
For the Cream Sauce:
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
Milk (enough to achieve your desired sauce consistency)
Cheddar cheese
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh basil, chopped (to taste)
White pepper (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Parsley flakes (to taste)
1 chicken bouillon cube (or to taste)
For the Blackened Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
Blackening spice
For the Asparagus:
1 bunch of asparagus
1 tbsp butter
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Preparation
Equipment Needed:
Large pot (for boiling gnocchi)
Large saucepan (for cream sauce)
Medium skillet (for blackened chicken and asparagus)
Whisk (for the sauce)
Tongs (for handling chicken and asparagus)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board
Instructions:
Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the chopped basil, white pepper, black pepper, parsley flakes, and crumbled chicken bouillon cube. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the cream sauce and stir gently to coat.
Prepare the Chicken
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts generously with blackening spice on both sides.
Add a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and blackened. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Cook the Asparagus
In the same medium skillet, add 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add the asparagus, season with salt and black pepper (If needed), and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Dish
Slice the blackened chicken breasts into strips.
Plate the creamy basil gnocchi, top with the sliced chicken, and serve with the sautéed asparagus on the side.
Top with fresh basil.