Countryside Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Tender chicken simmered with sun-dried tomato chicken and gnocchi promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a rich, creamy sauce that whispers comfort.

Each bite delivers layers of robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Fragrant herbs blend seamlessly with golden chicken and pillowy potato dumplings.

The combination creates a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily craft at home.

This straightforward recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Serving Up Chicken and Gnocchi with Elegance

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Pair with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange chicken on top of gnocchi, drizzle extra sauce, and sprinkle fresh basil and Parmesan for an Instagram-worthy presentation that looks professionally prepared.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity will balance the heaviness of the sauce and cut through the richness.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining portions in an airtight container for a quick lunch. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Meal Prep Tips for Skillet Chicken and Gnocchi

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining flavor and texture best when sealed tightly.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package in freezer-safe containers, separating chicken and sauce if possible. Will remain delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: Keep uncooked gnocchi and spinach separate from prepared dish when storing. Add fresh spinach and cook gnocchi just before serving to maintain optimal taste and prevent soggy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that adds hearty texture and absorbs delicious seasonings perfectly. Choose fresh, uniform-sized breasts for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty depth and creamy richness to the dish. Select authentic aged Parmesan for maximum flavor complexity.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle Mediterranean essence. Use extra virgin for best taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky liquid base with savory undertones. Opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety consistency to sauce. Select high-quality cream for supreme smoothness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic punch and complex flavor profile. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute intense, concentrated sweetness and tangy depth. Choose oil-packed varieties for enhanced moisture.
• Butter: Rounds out sauce with rich, smooth finish. Use unsalted to manage overall saltiness.

• Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic herb blend with Mediterranean flair. Look for blends without added salt.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent seasoning foundation. Choose pure powder without anti-caking agents.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant kick. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Paprika: Offers mild smoky undertone and beautiful color. Select sweet or smoked variety.
• Fresh Basil: Brings bright, aromatic garnish with fresh herbaceous notes.

Tools for One-Skillet Gnocchi Chicken Dinner

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the entire dish in one pan.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling the chicken during searing.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and gnocchi.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients like garlic and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop herbs and handle ingredient prep.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning and spice measurements.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure liquid ingredients precisely.

Directions for Making Gnocchi with Tomato Chicken

• Sizzle the Chicken

Salt and pepper your chicken breasts generously. Get a skillet blazing hot with olive oil and cook the chicken until it’s golden and juicy, about 5-6 minutes per side.

• Create the Creamy Magic

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour chicken broth to capture all those delicious browned bits. Splash in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce bubble and dance for a few minutes.

• Introduce the Gnocchi

Drop the gnocchi directly into the dreamy sauce. Let them simmer and soak up all the incredible flavors, getting plump and tender.

• Add Fresh Green Goodness

Swirl fresh spinach into the skillet, watching it wilt beautifully. Slip the chicken back into the pan, coating it with the luscious sauce.

• Plate and Garnish

Serve this gorgeous one-skillet wonder immediately. Scatter some fresh basil on top and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect finish.

Flavor Boosting Tips for This Skillet Favorite

• Perfect Chicken Searing Trick: Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and sauce components up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. Reheat gently in skillet when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising delicious taste.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like crispy tofu, roasted chickpeas, or grilled portobello mushrooms to create a satisfying meatless version of this comforting dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce that's completely dairy-free while maintaining rich, indulgent flavors.

Rustic Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken And Gnocchi Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one skillet sun-dried tomato chicken and gnocchi delivers Italian comfort with rich Mediterranean flavors. Creamy sauce and tender ingredients combine for a quick weeknight meal that satisfies with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 1 (16 oz/454 g) package potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Symphony: Massage chicken with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, Italian herbs, garlic essence, and paprika, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
2. Golden Sear Technique: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, cook chicken until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165F/75C, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then deglaze with chicken broth, releasing caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface.
4. Sauce Alchemy: Whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Gnocchi Integration: Introduce uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce, stirring gently to ensure complete coating, then cover and let the dumplings absorb the rich flavors until tender.
6. Verdant Finish: Fold in fresh spinach and butter, watching the greens wilt and add a vibrant layer to the creamy base while simultaneously reheating the seared chicken within the sauce.
7. Presentation Flourish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous Parmesan cheese sprinkle, serving immediately to capture the dish’s harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Chicken Seasoning Mastery: Ensure even and generous coating of spices by patting chicken dry before seasoning, allowing herbs and spices to adhere perfectly.
• Searing Technique: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and develops deep flavor complexity.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation, stirring occasionally and adjusting thickness with extra broth or cream as needed.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi for celiac-friendly option, or substitute chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg