Quick & Creamy One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular like this one skillet sun-dried tomato chicken and gnocchi marvel that combines hearty ingredients with minimal cleanup.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with minimal effort.

Soft potato gnocchi nestle alongside tender chicken pieces, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Vibrant sun-dried tomatoes infuse each bite with concentrated sweetness and depth.

Fragrant herbs complement the rich sauce, making each spoonful irresistibly complex.

Comfort meets elegance in this single-pan wonder that feels both sophisticated and homey.

You’ll devour every morsel and marvel at how quickly such a delicious meal comes together.

FAQs for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Fans

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before seasoning and cooking. Pat it dry to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

• What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder sauce, or add more for extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Everyone Loves

• Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly, combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping spinach for kale, adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, or making it vegetarian by omitting chicken and using plant-based alternatives.
• Elevate your dinner game with a restaurant-style dish that impresses without requiring professional chef skills, bringing sophisticated flavors directly to your dining table.

All Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs seasonings perfectly. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrients and vibrant color. Opt for baby spinach for quick wilting.

• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base for the sauce. Low-sodium options recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth sauce texture. Full-fat version gives best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce. Freshly grated preferred.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, tangy flavor that brings Mediterranean depth. Choose oil-packed for more richness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds foundational flavor. Fresh cloves provide best taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and preventing sticking. Extra virgin offers best flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complexity. Premixed or homemade works well.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor for even seasoning.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color to chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to final dish.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic garnish that freshens the dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up sauce. Store-bought works perfectly.

Cooking Method for Chicken and Gnocchi in One Skillet

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken

• Exterior turns golden brown
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Both sides are perfectly seared

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Sauté minced garlic
• Add sun-dried tomatoes
• Pour chicken broth
• Scrape pan to release delicious brown bits
• Stir in
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Introduce Gnocchi

• Gently stir to coat
• Cover skillet
• Simmer until gnocchi turns pillowy soft

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

• Fresh spinach
• Butter

Stir until spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 6: Reunite and Finish

• Spoon sauce over chicken
• Warm through for additional 2 minutes

Step 7: Plate with Passion

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Tips to Improve Chicken and Gnocchi in One Skillet

• Customize Chicken Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Swap Protein Smoothly: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary needs or variety without changing the core sauce recipe.
• Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Stir gnocchi gently and frequently during cooking to ensure even sauce coating and prevent clumping or burning in the skillet.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth for a lighter texture or simmering longer to create a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
• Balance Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes quantity based on heat tolerance- reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that enhances the dish's overall taste profile.

Storage Advice for Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Meals

• Store leftover chicken and gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the dish over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed completely.
• Freeze the dish without spinach for best texture. Place in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Dishes That Go with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi

• Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes' tanginess.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic ciabatta to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce and add delightful textural contrast.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty element.
• Offer a refreshing rosemary or thyme-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate and enhance the herb notes in the chicken and sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Option: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Season with the same spice blend for consistent flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content. Maintain the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Select a plant-based butter alternative to keep the dish's creamy texture.

One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory “one skillet sun-dried tomato chicken and gnocchi” blends Italian comfort with weeknight ease. Creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and juicy chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a robust blend of seasonings, ensuring each piece is generously coated with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, garlic essence, and a hint of paprika.
2. Unleash a golden sear on the chicken by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Cook the seasoned pieces until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior and reach a safe internal temperature of 165F/75C. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
3. Transform the same skillet into a flavor haven by sautéing minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until their aromatic essence fills the kitchen. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, carefully lifting the caramelized bits from the bottom.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together, creating a velvety base.
5. Introduce uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce, gently stirring to ensure each pillowy dumpling is thoroughly coated. Cover and let the gnocchi absorb the rich flavors, becoming tender and succulent.
6. Enliven the dish by folding in fresh spinach and a pat of butter, watching the greens wilt and add a vibrant touch to the creamy canvas.
7. Reunite the seared chicken with the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce and allowing them to reheat and absorb the surrounding flavors.
8. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning by swapping Italian blend with your favorite dried herbs for a personalized touch.
• Select high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more intense flavor profile.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories and accommodate dairy-free preferences.
• Toast gnocchi briefly before adding to sauce for enhanced nutty flavor and slightly crispy exterior.
• Ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain juiciness.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like shrimp, turkey, or plant-based chicken for diverse meal variations.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for increased heat or reduce for milder palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg