Description
This easy Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet delivers smoky spices, tender chicken breast, and creamy (plant-based) comfort in one skillet. Combining fluffy gnocchi with bold Cajun seasoning, crisp smoked turkey bacon, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious sauce made with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vegetable broth, and plant-based cream and cheese, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish offers a rich, comforting experience with minimal fuss and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic (natural), minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
Carbohydrates
- 1 lb gnocchi (use gluten-free if desired)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plant-based)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (natural)
Dairy Alternatives
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoky Turkey Bacon: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Cajun seasoning (natural). Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, forming a smoky, protein-rich base.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the chicken, add diced onion, minced garlic (natural), and chopped bell peppers. Sauté about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, allowing the vegetables to release their natural sweetness and build the flavor foundation.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet, stirring gently to coat with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cover the skillet and cook until gnocchi is tender and soft, absorbing the flavorful liquid.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream (plant-based) and shredded plant-based cheese. Mix gently, letting the cheese melt into a velvety sauce coating every bite. Add back the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Once heated through and sauce has thickened to your liking, serve the Cajun Chicken Gnocchi Skillet immediately. Enjoy the creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors that make this dish a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning (natural) for the best bold flavor.
- Cook gnocchi gently to avoid breaking it apart once broth is added.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow chicken to brown well for better texture.
- Add smoked turkey bacon early to infuse the dish with smoky richness.
- Finish with fresh parsley for brightness and contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, gnocchi, plant-based cream, smoky turkey bacon, one-pan meal, quick dinner, gluten-free, creamy skillet
