Gnocchi in tomato sauce with chicken

Gnocchi in tomato sauce with chicken

If you are looking for a comfort food recipe that brings joy with every bite, you have come to the right place! Gnocchi in tomato sauce with chicken is a perfect choice that combines delicious textures with rich flavors. This recipe will provide you not only with a hearty main dish but also with a satisfying culinary experience. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4

A brief history of gnocchi

Gnocchi, these little "balls of joy" made from potatoes, have their origins in the culinary traditions of various cultures. Over time, they have evolved into different forms, but their essence – a combination of potatoes, flour, and egg – has remained constant. This dish has been transformed into countless variations, and the combination with rich sauces and meat makes them truly special.

Necessary ingredients

For gnocchi:
- 800 g potato puree (preferably from starchy potatoes)
- 300 g flour
- 1 egg
- Salt (to taste)
- Black or white pepper (to preference)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)

For the sauce:
- 300 g chicken meat (use previously cooked meat, such as from a roast)
- 1 large onion, cut into large pieces
- 2 peppers (red, green, or yellow), cut into large pieces
- 6 large tomatoes, cut into large pieces
- 5-7 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, rosemary)
- Olive oil (for frying)

Step by step: Preparing gnocchi

1. Preparing the puree: If you don't have ready-made potato puree, boil the potatoes with their skins until very soft. Peel them and mash well until you obtain a fine puree. Let it cool slightly.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the potato puree, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.

3. Adding the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously. It is important not to add all the flour at once to control the consistency of the dough. The dough should become elastic and not stick to your hands.

4. Forming the gnocchi: Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Roll each portion into a cylinder about 1.5-2 cm in diameter. Use a knife to cut gnocchi pieces 2-3 cm long. Place them on a floured tray to prevent sticking.

5. Boiling the gnocchi: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of salt and a little olive oil. When the water starts to boil, add the gnocchi. When they rise to the surface, let them boil for another 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a spatula and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step by step: Preparing the sauce

1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, heat 50-70 ml of olive oil. Add the onion, peppers, and garlic. Season with salt and cover the skillet. Let the vegetables sauté on high heat for about 10 minutes until they become tender.

2. Pureeing the vegetables: Place the sautéed vegetables in a food processor and blend into a fine puree. Return the puree to the pot and bring it to a boil.

3. Adding the chicken: When the sauce begins to boil, add the pieces of chicken. Crush the thyme between your palms and add it along with the paprika and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine the flavors.

4. Finishing the dish: Add the gnocchi to the sauce and gently mix everything together, being careful not to crush them. Turn off the heat.

Serving and suggestions

Gnocchi in tomato sauce with chicken is delicious served warm, sprinkled with fresh herbs like basil and chopped parsley. You can accompany it with a crispy green salad or a portion of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

Useful tips

- Potato puree: Use starchy potatoes for a fluffier puree. Avoid high-moisture potatoes, as they can make the dough sticky.
- Buy ready-made gnocchi: If you prefer a quick option, you can opt for store-bought gnocchi, but they won't have the same taste or texture as homemade ones.
- Variations: You can add various vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini or spinach, to increase the nutrient content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can replace chicken with pork or beef, but make sure it is previously cooked.
- How can I make gnocchi vegan? You can replace the egg with applesauce or a mixture of flaxseed and water.
- How long can I keep gnocchi? Fresh gnocchi can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days, but it is best to consume them immediately after preparation for the best texture.

Now that you know how to prepare gnocchi in tomato sauce with chicken, it’s time to get to work. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to your home. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: For gnocchi: - 800g potato puree, - 300g flour, - salt, - black or white pepper, - olive oil, - one egg. For the sauce: - 300g chicken meat (I used leftover roasted chicken), cut or torn into small pieces, - one large onion, chopped into big pieces, - two large peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped into big pieces, - 6 large tomatoes, chopped into big pieces, - 5-7 cloves of garlic, - one teaspoon of dried or fresh thyme, - one teaspoon of paprika, - salt to taste, - one teaspoon of Italian spices (dried basil, oregano, rosemary) - olive oil.