This creamy harissa chicken and gnocchi is a bold, comforting one-pan dinner packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach in a smoky, spiced cream sauce. Finished with crumbled feta and fresh basil, it’s the perfect balance of heat, richness, and freshness for an unforgettable weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience means easy cooking and minimal cleanup
• Rich and creamy sauce with a gentle spicy kick
• Perfectly seasoned chicken with warm North African spices
• Hearty, satisfying, and ideal for family dinners
• Customizable heat level to suit your taste
• Ready in under an hour
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1½ pounds total)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ teaspoons ras el hanout
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small shallot, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ cup harissa paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1¼ cups half-and-half
1 (17-ounce) package dry or frozen potato gnocchi
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
3 cups packed baby spinach
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Season the chicken cutlets evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and ras el hanout.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the shallot and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the garlic, harissa paste, and thyme. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Slowly stir in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Add the gnocchi directly into the sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through. If using frozen gnocchi, add an additional 2–3 minutes of cooking time.
7. Stir in ½ cup of the crumbled feta until slightly melted and incorporated. Add the spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted.
8. Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top.
9. Garnish with the remaining ¼ cup feta and freshly chopped basil before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 785 calories per serving

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of cutlets for extra juiciness.
• Substitute coconut milk for half-and-half for a dairy-light version.
• Replace feta with goat cheese for a tangier finish.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
• Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
• Reduce harissa to ¼ cup for milder heat or increase slightly for extra spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes. Frozen gnocchi works perfectly; just add 2–3 extra minutes to the simmering time.

What is ras el hanout?

It is a North African spice blend that typically includes warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes. Reduce the amount of harissa paste or choose a mild variety.

Can I substitute the half-and-half?

You can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter option.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it up to 4 days in advance and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would complement the flavors well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free gnocchi.

Can I use store-bought harissa?

Yes. Store-bought harissa paste works well and saves time.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or warm crusty bread pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy harissa chicken and gnocchi brings together tender, spiced chicken, velvety sauce, and soft gnocchi in one comforting skillet. With bold North African-inspired flavors and a satisfying creamy finish, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

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