I finally tried Trader Joe’s new cauliflower gnocchi and used some Butcher Box chicken from my freezer to make a quick weeknight dinner. The result was one of my favorite meals—paleo, grain-free, nourishing, and surprisingly satisfying.
Instead of following the package directions, I cooked the gnocchi straight from frozen in a hot pan with butter until they browned. The trick is to let them sit, covered, for 2–3 minutes without stirring so the outsides get crispy, then stir and continue cooking until nicely browned. Brown butter really is what it sounds like: butter cooked until the milk solids turn golden and develop a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the gnocchi.
My go-to ghee is Fourth & Heart, which I buy through my usual sources.
If you want other easy ways to use cauliflower gnocchi, I’ve shared a few of my favorite recipes on my site, including a skillet pesto meatball & gnocchi bake and a creamy cauliflower gnocchi with butternut squash “cheese” sauce.
If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @maryswholelife and use #maryswholelife—I love seeing your versions!
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Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi with Chicken, Mushrooms & Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 package Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi
- 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup raw spinach
- 2 tbsp ghee, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp dried sage
Instructions
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Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of ghee to the same pan. Add the gnocchi (from frozen or partially thawed) and the sliced mushrooms. Cook over medium-high heat 5–7 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to brown and crisp.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, sea salt, and dried sage. Add the spinach, stir to combine, and cook another minute until the spinach wilts. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are estimates and automatically calculated. While checked using common nutrition tools, actual values depend on ingredient brands and measurements. For the most accurate results, weigh your ingredients and divide by servings.