Quick Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia Seeds – High Protein Comfort Meal

If you’re hunting for a quick, ultra-satisfying dinner that’s *loaded* with protein and bold, crave-worthy flavor, then you’ve gotta try this Quick Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia Seeds. It gets dinner on the table in under 30 minutes and checks all the boxes: tender gnocchi, juicy seasoned chicken, nutritious chia seeds, and melty Parmesan. *Trust me—this one’s going to be a weeknight winner!*

Why You’ll Love This Quick Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia Seeds

• High in protein from juicy chicken and chia seeds
• Speedy—ready in just 30 minutes start to finish
• Comfort food vibes without the guilt
• One-pan meal with minimal clean-up 🎉
• Family-friendly and easily customizable (yep, even the picky eaters approve!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this flavor-packed meal:

• **Potato gnocchi** – store-bought for convenience, but you can make homemade too!
• **Boneless chicken breast** – packed with lean protein and easy to cook
• **Chia seeds** – for an extra protein + fiber boost (hello, superfood!)
• **Fresh spinach** – adds color, nutrients, and that perfect wilted texture
• **Cherry tomatoes** – bursting with sweet-tart juice 💥
• **Parmesan cheese** – because we need that salty umami kick!
• **Olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes** – pantry MVPs

How to Make Quick Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia Seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the gnocchi in salted water according to the package instructions. Once they float to the top (about 2–3 mins), they’re done! Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and just cooked through (about 6–8 mins).
3. Add aromatics + chia seeds: Stir in minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and chia seeds. Let this sizzle for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
4. Toss it all together: Add in your baby spinach and the drained gnocchi. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle in some Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if you’re into spice 🔥), and top with fresh basil. Serve hot and devour immediately!

Substitution Ideas and Dietary Swaps

Make it work for your lifestyle:

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free gnocchi (Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods offer options).
• Dairy-free? Skip the cheese or sub with vegan Parmesan (like Violife or homemade nutritional yeast blend).
• Veggie-packed: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers if you’ve got ’em.
• Plant-based? Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and cook as directed. Still protein-packed 💪

Tips for Making the Best Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia

• Use fresh gnocchi when possible—it has a softer, pillowy texture that’s hard to beat.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—we want it juicy and tender, not dry!
• Let your chia bloom: those tiny seeds soak up flavor, so give them at least 2 mins in the pan to hydrate and shine 💫

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This flavorful gnocchi dish totally holds its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• A crisp side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Garlic bread (or these Vegan Garlic Knots for a plant-based side)
• A chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or a sparkling water with lemon 🍋

Storage and Reheating

If you’ve got leftovers (or are meal-preppin’ like a boss):

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water, or microwave covered for 1–2 mins

Tools I Love for This Recipe

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – perfectly browns everything 🌟
• OXO Garlic Press – makes mincing garlic effortless
• Chosen Foods Avocado Oil for a healthier sauté

FAQ: Quick Gnocchi with Chicken and Chia Seeds

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Absolutely! No need to thaw—just drop it into boiling water and cook until they float.

Are chia seeds crunchy in this recipe?

Not at all—they soften when cooked and add a subtle nutty flavor, almost like tiny pearls of goodness!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You sure can. It reheats beautifully and makes great lunch leftovers (hello, desk envy!).

Is this dish spicy?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat 🔥

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Ground turkey, shrimp, tofu, or even canned beans like chickpeas can work great in this dish!

Let’s Connect!

Craving more easy, high-protein meals? Try my Creamy Quinoa Chicken Bowl or this Spicy Chickpea Protein Pasta. And don’t forget to join my email list for new recipes each week!

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