Top 1 Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi : Irresistible Dinner

Looking for a recipe that’s creamy, cozy, and still impressive enough to serve at a dinner party? This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi is a restaurant-style meal that checks all the boxes. It’s a rich, velvety dish loaded with flavor from tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, wilted spinach, and a creamy Asiago cheese sauce that ties it all together.

Whether you’re in the mood for elevated comfort food, planning an elegant meal for a special night in, or just need a yummy dinner for two, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.

Save

What Is Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi?

Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi is a savory Italian-inspired pasta dish that features juicy chicken breast and soft potato gnocchi tossed in a creamy cheese sauce made with aged Asiago cheese. It often includes garlic, spinach, herbs, and a hint of cream for a luscious, flavorful finish.

This dish blends the elegance of a fancy dinner recipe with the heartiness of home-cooked Italian family meals. Each bite offers the chew of gnocchi, the richness of cheese, and the subtle tang of Asiago, all balanced by fresh herbs and sautéed chicken.

Why This Chicken Asiago Recipe Works for Elegant Meals and Family Dinners

This chicken Asiago recipe is perfect for both casual and special occasions. Here’s why:

It comes together in under 40 minutes with basic ingredients
It’s a one-pan recipe that feels luxurious but is simple to prepare
It offers rich flavor without being heavy or overwhelming
The gnocchi gives it a unique texture compared to traditional pasta
It’s easy to double or halve depending on your guest list

Ideal for date nights, holiday meals, or just upgrading your weeknight routine, this dish is a shining example of meals that impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Gnocchi Pasta

To prepare this delicious high-protein gnocchi meal, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1½ cups grated Asiago cheese
1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
2 cups baby spinach
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

These ingredients create a balance of creamy, savory, and herbaceous flavors while keeping the dish approachable and satisfying.

Essential Tools for Preparing High-Protein Gnocchi Meals

This dish doesn’t require complicated equipment. You’ll only need:

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or slotted spoon
Optional: microplane for finely grating cheese

Having these tools ready ensures smooth execution and faster prep for this delicious chicken and gnocchi pasta.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi at Home

1. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic and seasonings: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add gnocchi: Stir in the uncooked gnocchi. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in cheese: Lower heat and add Asiago cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Add spinach and chicken: Toss in baby spinach and cooked chicken. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Asiago, if desired.

This process yields a silky, cheese-forward sauce that clings perfectly to the gnocchi and chicken, making it an ideal main course for family dinners or romantic evenings.

Save

Tips for Cooking Perfect Gnocchi Every Time

Use refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi, but avoid overcooking—gnocchi should be tender but not mushy
Simmer, don’t boil, in the sauce to allow them to cook gently and absorb flavor
Stir gently to prevent sticking and preserve their pillowy texture
Don’t drain the gnocchi if cooking separately—transfer directly into the sauce to retain starch
Choose high-quality gnocchi made with real potatoes for best texture

Perfect gnocchi is the foundation of this spinach gnocchi recipe dinner, so nailing the texture is key.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Family Meals with Gnocchi

To make this dish a complete meal, pair it with:

A fresh arugula or Caesar salad
Garlic bread or herbed focaccia
Grilled zucchini or roasted tomatoes
Simple sautéed green beans
A citrus-dressed mixed greens salad

These sides enhance the meal without overwhelming the flavors of the asiago chicken gnocchi.

Flavor Variations: Spinach Gnocchi, Creamy Mushroom, or Roasted Garlic Add-ins

Switch things up with these easy add-ins:

Spinach Gnocchi: Use spinach gnocchi instead of classic potato gnocchi for added color and nutrients
Creamy Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for earthiness and depth
Roasted Garlic: Replace fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a mellow, sweeter flavor
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami
Lemon Zest: Brighten the sauce with a little zest for contrast

These twists can tailor your fancy dinner recipes pasta to your taste preferences or dietary goals.

Best Wine-Free Pairings and Side Dishes for Fancy Pasta Dinners

No alcohol needed to serve this luxurious dinner right. Pair it with:

Sparkling water with lemon or mint
Citrus iced tea
A refreshing cucumber and herb mocktail
Classic Italian soda
A lightly sweetened elderflower drink

Serve with fresh herbs and elegant plating for a no-stress elegant meal at home.

Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Asiago Gnocchi

While this dish is best served fresh, some components can be prepped ahead:

Cook the chicken up to 1 day in advance
Grate the cheese and store in an airtight container
Chop garlic and measure spices for quicker cooking
If using fresh gnocchi, cook and chill ahead—just reheat gently in sauce

These make-ahead steps cut your kitchen time and allow more room for enjoying your yummy dinner for two.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftovers

To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.

Freezing not recommended as cream sauces may separate, and gnocchi can become mushy after thawing.

Proper storage ensures the flavors stay rich and the texture remains appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken and Gnocchi Recipes

Overcooking the chicken—always use medium heat and remove once browned
Using pre-shredded cheese—freshly grated Asiago melts better and avoids clumping
Boiling the gnocchi too long—it becomes sticky or falls apart
Rushing the sauce—allow time for flavors to develop and cheese to melt smoothly
Forgetting to season throughout—layered seasoning enhances the finished dish

Avoid these pitfalls and your chicken Asiago recipe will come out perfectly every time.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions About Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just shred and stir it in at the end to warm through.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. A splash of flour or cornstarch may help thicken it.

What if I don’t have Asiago?
Parmesan or Romano are good substitutes, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

Is gnocchi gluten-free?
Most traditional gnocchi is not. Look for certified gluten-free brands if needed.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or cherry tomatoes all work well.

🥣 Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Calcium: 280 mg
Iron: 2.5 mg
Potassium: 680 mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

Final Thoughts: Save, Share, and Enjoy More Elegant Main Course Ideas

This Asiago Chicken and Gnocchi dish is a true celebration of flavor, comfort, and elegance. With rich cheese, golden chicken, and soft gnocchi, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save, share, and serve on repeat. Whether you’re creating a fancy dinner for guests or simply elevating a weekday meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Print