Aaron Doran’s first-half goal and a late second from Nikolay Todorov handed Caley Thistle all three points at Queen of the South.
On the back of dropped points against Morton and Alloa Athletic, John Robertson’s side returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory in Dumfries.
They go into Saturday’s clash with Dundee United in the Highland capital four points behind the league leaders after their win against Partick Thistle.
The Caley Jags made four changes from the 2-1 defeat to Morton. Jordan White, James Vincent, Miles Storey and James Keatings came out, with Nikolay Todorov, Charlie Trafford, Doran and Roddy MacGregor in.
Visiting goalkeeper Mark Ridgers was called into action after just 70 seconds, to repel a Stephen Dobbie strike at his near post.
Abdul Osman and Dobbie both had efforts over the top inside the first 10 minutes, as Queens sought to dent Inverness’ confidence early.
The home side had a fourth chance skied before 20 minutes as Kevin Holt met Daniel Pybus’ cross at the back post but sent his volley over the bar.
Caley Thistle opened the scoring on 30 minutes with their first shot on target, Doran benefitting from the break of the ball in the penalty area with a snap-shot that beat Robby McCrorie.
They held the slender advantage at half-time but were fortunate to be in front after Faissal El Bakhtaoui picked out Dobbie at the start of the second half. It was the kind of chance Dobbie would be expected to bury but he screwed his shot wide of the far post.
Pressure was building on the Inverness goal as Ridgers was forced into a smart stop, tipping Jack Hamilton’s shot on the turn wide of the post.
At the other end Curry had the chance to grab his third goal for the Caley Jags after Doran played him in but McCrorie stood firm.
On-loan Rangers stopper McCrorie got his slice of good fortune when David Carson, overlapping down the right, saw his cross-shot spilled into the six-yard box. However, home defender Lee Kilday was on hand to clear.
Dobbie continued his off-colour performance, shanking wide in a rare late opportunity, before an unmarked Todorov crashed in a late second to give the Caley Jags all three points.
