Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

When you’re craving something comforting yet packed with bold flavors, look no further than this Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi recipe. Combining tender chicken cutlets, creamy sauce, and pillowy gnocchi, this dish is the perfect balance of spice and richness. The key ingredient in this recipe is harissa paste, which gives the dish a smoky, spicy kick. If you’re a fan of spicy food or simply want to add some depth to your weeknight meals, this dish will not disappoint.

For an even better experience, explore other spicy dishes and sauces such as harissa recipes and gnocchi recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions to create this Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi masterpiece.

Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe – Bold and Flavorful

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This dish combines tender chicken cutlets, creamy gnocchi, and a rich harissa sauce infused with vibrant spices. The heat from the harissa paste is balanced by the creaminess of half-and-half, while fresh herbs like thyme and basil add a fresh, aromatic touch. Baby spinach and crumbled feta complete the dish, adding depth and richness. It’s a comforting yet bold meal that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 1/2 lb. total)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 1/2 tsp. ras el hanout (or spice blend substitute, see intro)
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup harissa paste (such as New York Shuk)
• 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
• 1 (17-oz.) pkg. dry or frozen gnocchi
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta, divided
• 3 cups packed baby spinach
• Finely chopped fresh basil leaves (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ras el hanout.
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the chopped shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to release their moisture and turn golden brown.
   • Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Harissa and Broth:

   • Stir in the harissa paste, fresh thyme, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
   • Pour in the half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Cook the Gnocchi:

   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions (either in boiling water or directly in the sauce, if frozen). Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and set aside.

5. Finish the Dish:

   • Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked gnocchi and baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the gnocchi is heated through.
   • Slice the rested chicken cutlets into strips and add them to the skillet with the gnocchi and sauce. Stir to combine.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the creamy harissa chicken and gnocchi to serving plates. Top with crumbled feta and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for added freshness.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of harissa paste or substitute with a less spicy sauce.

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed.

Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein (like tofu or tempeh) and use dairy-free cream alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Chicken, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the total recipe)
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken cutlets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the ras el hanout spice blend over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Ras el hanout gives the chicken a wonderfully complex flavor with warm spices, and if you can’t find it, you can make your own blend or swap with other spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside to rest. This will help retain the juices and keep the chicken tender.

Make the Harissa Sauce

1. Sauté the Shallot and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Then, add the baby bella mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden.
2. Add Garlic and Harissa Paste: Add the garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the harissa paste, ensuring that it coats the shallots and mushrooms. The harissa paste will infuse the sauce with a spicy, smoky flavor.
3. Add the Broth and Half-and-Half: Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.

Cook the Gnocchi

1. Prepare the Gnocchi: While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi rise to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.

Combine and Finish

1. Add the Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the harissa sauce, tossing gently to coat the gnocchi. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and return it to the pan, stirring to incorporate the chicken with the creamy sauce and gnocchi.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds freshness and color to the dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.
3. Finish with Feta and Basil: Stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. The feta adds a creamy, tangy touch that complements the heat from the harissa.

Advanced Techniques

1. Customize the Spice Level

Harissa paste can vary in heat, so if you like your food spicy, feel free to add more harissa paste to suit your taste. Alternatively, if you’re looking to tone down the spice, add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to the sauce to mellow the heat.

2. Make Your Own Harissa Paste

While store-bought harissa paste is convenient, making your own can give you complete control over the flavors and spice level. A simple homemade harissa can be made by blending together dried chilies, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and olive oil. Add it to your sauce for a fresh, vibrant harissa experience.

3. Incorporating Other Vegetables

Want to add more veggies to your Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi? Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or even some roasted eggplant to the dish. The vegetables will absorb the flavors of the harissa sauce and create a more substantial meal.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

2. Freezing

While the gnocchi may become slightly soft when frozen, you can freeze the entire dish if needed. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of extra broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

3. Reheating

To reheat the dish, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and heat until warmed through. If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free Option

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the gnocchi with a gluten-free version. Many stores offer gluten-free gnocchi, or you can make your own from scratch using potato flour or rice flour.

2. Dairy-Free Version

To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the half-and-half with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Additionally, replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

3. Vegan Adaptation

For a vegan version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based alternative to half-and-half and feta. The harissa sauce will still add a ton of flavor to these plant-based proteins.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken cutlets?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll be even juicier than the chicken cutlets, and the cooking method remains the same.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the harissa sauce and cook the chicken in advance, storing them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them with the cooked gnocchi and spinach, and finish with the feta and basil.

3. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can easily substitute with dried thyme. Just use 1/3 of the amount (around 2/3 tsp) of dried thyme, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Creamy Harissa Chicken & Gnocchi brings together bold, savory flavors and creamy textures in one easy-to-make dish. The combination of spicy harissa, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi makes this a standout recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table. With the option to customize spice levels and make it your own, it’s a meal that you can enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress.