So my mom asked me the other day if I had room in my freezer for a turkey (standard mom question). I currently do not, but of course, I’ll do whatever she wants. Therefore, this meal was the product of cleaning out the freezer. This recipe is also one that is very forgiving and can easily be modified based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Another goal for this meal was easy clean up, so this is all done in one pan. What you need (serves 2):
▫️1 bag of Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi (these are so light, delicious, and versatile, I usually keep at least one bag in my freezer at all times)
▫️4-6oz chicken thighs (I used a portion that I had, guessing on my measurement. More will not be a bad thing if it’s what you have on hand)
▫️1(ish) cup chopped frozen spinach (I used the rest of a bag I had in the fridge, so it may have been more)
▫️3-4 tbsps chopped sun dried tomatoes (in oil, and save the oil)
▫️1 clove of garlic
▫️EVOO
▫️Parmesan cheese (to garnish)
▫️Salt and pepper
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Cook in approximately 2 tablespoons of EVOO on medium-high heat and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken completely.
Add the chopped spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and garlic to the pan and continue on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Also add some of the oil from the sun dried tomatoes. Cook until spinach is totally defrosted and beginning to cook down. NOTE: The oil that the sun dried tomatoes are packaged in is full of flavor and usable! Try adding it to your cooking whenever sun dried tomatoes are involved.
Add the frozen gnocchi to the pan and mix everything together. Add 1/2 cup water and cook on medium heat, covered, for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. I personally like to cook for another 2-3 minutes on high heat, stirring only once or twice, to add some crispness and texture. Cook to your desired texture, being careful not to burn. Top with parmesan cheese, and enjoy.
NOTE: If I had mushrooms on hand (and also if I wasn’t cooking for my sister who does not like mushrooms), I definitely would have added them in and sautéed with the spinach, tomatoes and garlic. Mushrooms would make a great addition to this dish.
MoreChickpeasPlease 