Combining pumpkin and gnocchi is not something I have done previously, or even really thought about. They just haven’t seemed to me to be ingredients that naturally mix together. This dish which creates a smooth creamy butternut sauce totally changes that perception for me.
The chicken & bacon make a perfect combination when mixed with gnocchi. This dish is really elevated when mixed with a beautiful rich creamy butternut pumpkin sauce through the addition of cream cheese, parmesan and cream. The flavour is then underpinned by a subtle spiciness from the paprika and chilli spices that are added. A fantastic meal is created.
This dish stores easily in the refrigerator for leftovers, though they will not last long.
Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Servings |
people
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Ingredients
- 1 kg Gnocchi
- 8 slices Short Cut Bacon diced
- 3 small Chicken Fillets cut into bite sized pieces
- 250 g Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Butternut Pumpkin Puree
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Thickened Cream
- 2 tsp Ground Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Ground Chilli
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- Spring Onions to garnish
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Make the Butternut Pumpkin puree by dicing a small butternut pumpkin, cooking for about 10 minutes in the microwave and then using a food processor to create the puree. I use a nutribullet. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook Gnocchi according to packet instructions.
- In a large frying pan, add bacon and cook until crispy (about 5-6 minutes). Set aside.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Set aside.
- Turn heat down to low and add cream cheese to pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps and stir constantly. Ensure heat is low to avoid burning & browning the cheese.
- After about 1 minute, add cream, butternut pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, paprika, chilli and garlic powder. Stir constantly until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is completed blended. (about 3 minutes)
- Add gnocchi, chicken and bacon and stir to mix fully with the sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with spring onions.