This comforting dish brings together juicy chicken and soft gnocchi in one easy pan. With tasty Italian flavors and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s simply delightful!
I love how the gnocchi soak up all the delicious sauce! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly nights when you need some extra coziness. ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they stay juicy and tender. If you want to go leaner, chicken breasts work, but they may dry out more easily.
Gnocchi: Use potato gnocchi for the fluffiest texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free gnocchi available made from cauliflower or other non-wheat ingredients.
Bell Pepper & Onion: Red bell peppers add sweetness and color. You can swap with green peppers for more bite. Any onion works, but red gives a nice pop. If you have shallots, they can add a lovely flavor too!
Walnuts: These add a nice crunch and richness. Pecans or pine nuts can be used instead if you prefer or have them on hand. If you want a nut-free version, just leave them out!
White Wine/Broth: I love using white wine for a depth of flavor. If you’d rather, chicken or vegetable broth is a great substitute for a non-alcoholic option.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken is to pay attention to time and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven fully to 425°F (220°C) before adding the pan.
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Don’t crowd the pan too much; this helps everything cook evenly and allows the chicken to get that beautiful golden color.
What’s the Best Way to Roast Gnocchi?
Roasting gnocchi gives them a lovely texture and flavor. Here are a few tips:
- Use a large baking sheet to give them space to brown.
- Don’t forget to toss them halfway through the baking time, so they get crispy on all sides.
- Adding them with the other veggies allows them to soak up the delicious juices!
Keep an eye on them; they only need about 10-15 minutes to puff and brown.
Sheet Pan Chicken Scarpariello Gets a Cozy Gnocchi Makeover
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (about 16 oz/450g) potato gnocchi
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
For Seasoning and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. So you can expect a total time of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets that lovely roasted flavor. Lightly grease a large sheet pan with cooking spray or olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized pieces of chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is well-coated. Then, spread the chicken out evenly across the prepared sheet pan, giving it plenty of space to roast.
3. Add the Veggies and Gnocchi:
In the same bowl, toss the potato gnocchi, sliced red bell pepper, and onion wedges with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, scatter these ingredients around the chicken on the sheet pan to create a colorful and flavorful combination.
4. Roast to Perfection:
Pop the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes. After that time, carefully add the minced garlic and chopped walnuts to the pan, stirring gently to combine. Roast for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and the gnocchi have puffed up and turned slightly crispy.
5. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Once done, take the pan out of the oven and pour the white wine (or chicken broth) and vinegar evenly over everything. This will add a lovely flavor to the dish. Return the pan to the oven for another 3-5 minutes to let the sauce reduce slightly and coat everything beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and crushed red chili flakes over the top for a pop of color and heat. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors. Now, it’s ready to serve!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the warm chicken, gnocchi, and roasted veggies on plates. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in this cozy Italian dish! Perfect for family dinners or when you want to treat yourself!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they might dry out if overcooked. Cooking them for a shorter time will help keep them tender!
Can I Substitute Gnocchi with Another Pasta?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a different pasta, feel free to use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to par-cook it slightly before adding it to the sheet pan to ensure it’s perfectly cooked by the time everything else is done.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm up in the microwave or place in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just cut them to similar sizes and adjust the cooking time as necessary for even roasting!