Creamy Butternut Pumpkin, Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi

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.

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

Instructions:
1. 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.
2. Cook Gnocchi according to packet instructions.
3. In a large frying pan, add bacon and cook until crispy (about 5-6 minutes). Set aside.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Set aside.
5. 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.
6. 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)
7. Add gnocchi, chicken and bacon and stir to mix fully with the sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
8. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with spring onions.

For pictures & more follow the link below:
Creamy Butternut Pumpkin, Chicken & Bacon Gnocchi

bon appetit