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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reunite the seared chicken with the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce and allowing them to reheat and absorb the surrounding flavors.
- 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