Chicken and Creamy Spinach Gnocchi

Instructions

1. 1

   Use a 1000-watt microwave at full power (100%) throughout. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and finely grate the Parmesan. Use spinach frozen in loose pieces rather than a solid block. Keep the chicken breast refrigerated until needed.

2. 2

   Combine the milk, broth, cream cheese, garlic powder and black pepper in a wide, deep, 3-liter microwave-safe dish. Cover with a vented microwave-safe lid. Microwave for 2 minutes, whisk with a fork, then microwave for 1 minute more. Whisk until mostly smooth.

3. 3

   Separate the gnocchi and stir them directly into the sauce with the frozen spinach. Cover with the vented lid and microwave for 4 minutes. Stir thoroughly from the edges into the center, breaking apart any spinach clumps, and rotate the dish a half-turn.

4. 4

   Cover and microwave for another 4 minutes. Stir and check that the gnocchi are tender throughout. If still firm, continue in 1-minute intervals, stirring and rotating after each interval.

5. 5

   Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces and stir it into the gnocchi. Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Stir thoroughly, mix in the Parmesan and rotate the dish a half-turn. Cover and microwave for another 4 minutes. Check several places, including the center and chicken pieces, with a food thermometer: everything must reach 165°F/74°C. If needed, continue in 1-minute intervals, stirring and rotating each time, until that temperature is reached.

6. 6

   Leave covered to stand for 3 minutes so the heat distributes and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir well and divide among four bowls.