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Heather's Dish

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Creamy Balsamic Chicken & Peas Over Butter-Seared Gnocchi

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Woe is me…it snowed yesterday AGAIN.  My only saving grace is the fact that the weather channel shows temperatures above 70 for the next week.  That is, until Colorado rears its frosty head again.

But really, enough of the weather talk.  Let’s talk about mushrooms.  And the fact that I had a box of mushrooms picked out specifically for this recipe.  And that I opened the container and was met with a stench so terribly foul that I had to leave the kitchen, breathe, plug my nose, and then go back and destroy said carton of mushrooms.  It’s very possible that I’m now gagging whilst reliving that experience.

Moral of the story?  Don’t buy bad mushrooms…and if they look slightly slimy, don’t open them.  Trust me.

Alas, it was only going to be the chicken and peas as the stars of the culinary show in our kitchen last night.  Not that I’m complaining, mind you.  I heart chicken and I heart peas, and if I’m being honest anything with a creamy flavorful sauce is pretty spectacular too.

Oh, and please don’t judge me by the following photo.  I mean, I really am this weird, but still…don’t judge.  I think it’s fair to say that anyone who’s only been off work for less than an hour can exhibit symptoms of insanity giddiness such as this.

One last thing:  if you’ve never experienced the ridiculous flavor roundhouse-to-the-face that is butter-seared gnocchi, then you haven’t lived my friend.  You boil the gnocchi according the package or recipe directions (extra points if you made your own!), drain, then toss back in a hot skillet with melted butter and brown on both sides.  It’s kind of like a skillet-fried potato but better because it has flour in it.  And just better over since it’s gnocchi.

I don’t make the rules, I just play by ’em!

CREAMY BALSAMIC CHICKEN AND PEAS OVER BUTTER-SEARED GNOCCHI

  • 3 chicken breasts, fat removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 cup stock (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 Tbsp flour
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dry thyme
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp Half & Half
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package gnocchi
  • 2 Tbsp butter

In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Sprinkle the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, and sear on both sides in the olive oil.  Add the onion and saute for about 4-5 minutes.  Add the garlic and saute for another minute.  Sprinkle the entire mixture with flour and stir until even coated.  Stir in the stock, thyme, and balsamic vinegar.  Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.  Remove from heat and stir in Half & Half and parmesan cheese.

Meanwhile, boil gnocchi according to package directions.  Drain.  In another skillet melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the gnocchi to the butter and let brown a little on both sides.  Serve with a scoop of gnocchi on the bottom and about 1 cup of the chicken and peas on top.  EAT!

I suppose we should really call it like it is and call the gnocchi fried, but I think we all know the tendency is to go for food with the fancier sounding name.  And, well, butter-seared just does it for me.

Just call me fancy pants 😉

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Comments

  1. Errign says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Came over via Janetha’s shoutout on her blog & I have to say, the story about the mushrooms made me gag. I don’t like mushrooms when they’re not rotting, so I can’t imagine their foulness in that state. However, this dish sounds fan-freaking-tastic, so I’m adding it to my bookmarks. 🙂

    Reply
  2. fitnessnfoodiegirl says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    Yum! I love Gnocchi and balsamic! Great dish idea!

    Reply
  3. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

    May 3, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Gnocchi is definitely one of the most delicious things out there. Butter and balsamic added to that can only make it heavenly.

    Reply
  4. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

    May 3, 2011 at 10:54 am

    I recently made my own gnocchi (it was surprisingly easy! https://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/pasta/how-to-make-gnocchi) and still have a pack in my freezer – I will def sear some in butter!! Great idea 🙂

    Reply
  5. R @ Learning As I Chop says

    May 3, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Everything about this recipe just feels right

    Reply
  6. Elle says

    May 3, 2011 at 10:05 am

    i want this, now. Oh my gosh, my stomach just rumbled reading the post!

    Reply
  7. Natalia - a side of simple says

    May 3, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Could you please enlarge that photo and get it framed over your dining room table, then invite me over for this dish so we can bask in your glory? 🙂

    Reply
  8. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says

    May 3, 2011 at 8:43 am

    I love gnocchi! I have never seared them in butter…I must try! 🙂

    Reply
  9. janetha @ meals & moves says

    May 3, 2011 at 8:15 am

    Oh I hate stankin’ shrooms! ICK! This recipe looks great. Bookmarked! Right after the soup…

    Reply
  10. Jen @ keepitsimplefoods says

    May 3, 2011 at 8:11 am

    Love me some gnocchi!

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    May 3, 2011 at 7:36 am

    That picture of you ROCKS. Love it!!! I always love the bright green from peas! This sounds deeelish. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:30 am

    Majorly awesome photography in this post!

    Reply
  13. Salah says

    May 3, 2011 at 6:08 am

    oh yum!!!! LOoks sooo bomb!!! LOVE YOU!

    Reply
  14. Jessica @ How Sweet says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:55 am

    hahahah I love that picture of you with the peas!

    Reply
  15. Cynthia (It All Changes) says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:55 am

    The picture of you inhaling it makes this post. So fun!

    Reply
  16. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:30 am

    I’m so sorry it snowed 🙁 Hopefully the weather will be warm & sunny very soon!

    Reply
  17. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:28 am

    I don’t think peas get enough attention. What a great idea for a colorful balanced dish!

    Reply
  18. Heather says

    May 3, 2011 at 5:28 am

    YUM! Looks delish, and could you be any cuter? I think not!

    xo

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. insanity review: 5 weeks in. « meals & moves says:
    May 10, 2011 at 2:36 am

    […] was an adaption of heather’s balsamic chicken & peas with a few minor […]

    Reply

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