Q1: Do I really have to cook the dry, shelf-stable gnocchi directly in the sauce?

Do I need to boil it first? No, you do not need to boil it first! That is the brilliant, time-saving secret of this recipe. The shelf-stable potato gnocchi is designed to cook beautifully right in the simmering sauce. It will absorb all the delicious tomato-basil flavor as it cooks, and its starches will help to naturally thicken the sauce, making it extra rich and delicious.

Q2: What is the best kind of gnocchi to use for a one-pan meal like this one?

For this specific cooking method, it is best to use a package of shelf-stable, vacuum-sealed potato gnocchi , which is typically found in the pasta aisle of your grocery store. Fresh, refrigerated gnocchi or frozen gnocchi are much more delicate and are best when they are boiled separately first.

Q3: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but you will need to be very careful not to overcook them, as they are much leaner and can dry out easily. It is a great idea to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness first. You may also want to reduce the simmering time at the end by a few minutes.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is at its absolute best when it is served fresh, right after the gnocchi has been cooked. If you do make it ahead, be aware that the gnocchi will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits in the refrigerator, so the leftovers will be much thicker.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course! To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken . You can add an extra zucchini to the skillet, or you can add about 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms (sauté them before the zucchini). Be sure to use a brand of jarred tomato sauce that does not contain any meat products.

The Best Easy One-Pan Chicken and Gnocchi

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs, gnocchi, and zucchini in a simple tomato-basil sauce. The recipe starts by searing seasoned boneless, skinless chicken thighs and zucchini in a large skillet. Jarred tomato-basil sauce and dried gnocchi are then added to the same pan. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, which is simmered until the gnocchi is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The dish is finished with freshly grated Parmesan and basil.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
Coarse salt
1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
One 24-ounce jar tomato-basil sauce
1 pound dried gnocchi
Freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the dried Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. Arrange the chicken in the pan, cover, and sear for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken, cover, and sear for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside (it will not be fully cooked).
If needed, add a splash of water to the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add the zucchini to the pan in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt and sear for 2 minutes. Flip and sear for another 1 to 2 minutes, until nicely charred.
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the tomato sauce, about 1/3 cup of water, and the dried gnocchi. Use tongs to nestle the gnocchi down into the sauce so it is all covered.
Cover the skillet with a lid, increase the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender.
Serve immediately in bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

This is a true one-pan meal where the gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, making for very easy cleanup.
The chicken is only partially cooked during the initial sear and finishes cooking in the sauce with the gnocchi, which keeps it tender and juicy.
Using jarred tomato sauce and dried gnocchi are key shortcuts that make this a very fast weeknight dinner.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/chicken-and-gnocchi/