Go Back
- Chicken and Gnocchi Essentials - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi - 2 cups baby spinach, rinsed and drained - Cream and Seasoning Components - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Optional Garnishes and Variations - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Gathering these ingredients is key to a tasty meal. The chicken and gnocchi form a solid base. The sun-dried tomatoes add a rich flavor. Heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce creamy and satisfying. Spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients. You can change up the dish by adding fresh herbs or using different proteins. Feel free to be creative! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Cooking the Chicken Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink. Once done, take the chicken out and keep it warm on a plate. Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Sauté Next, lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells good and turns lightly golden. Be mindful not to burn it! Then, add 1 cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir these together and let them cook for 2 more minutes. This melds those lovely flavors. Creating the Creamy Sauce Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir as it warms up to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 2 cups of baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Cooking the Gnocchi While your sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 1 package of gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. They are ready when they float to the top. Drain the gnocchi gently. Combining Gnocchi with the Sauce Carefully fold the cooked gnocchi into your creamy chicken sauce. Make sure the gnocchi is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serving Suggestions and Presentation Serve the gnocchi in deep bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Creamy Delight! For the full recipe, check out the reference provided. To make a creamy sauce, aim for smoothness. Start with heavy cream. When you add the cream, keep stirring. This helps it blend well with the other flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will keep it silky and light. Balancing flavors is key. Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness. Garlic adds warmth. Together, they create a delicious base. Taste your sauce as you go. If it seems bland, add salt and pepper. Fresh basil at the end brightens the dish. This gives a fresh kick to the creamy sauce. To prevent mushy gnocchi, cook them quickly. Boil water and add salt. Once it’s boiling, add the gnocchi. Watch for them to float. This means they are ready. Drain them right away. Overcooking leads to a mushy mess. Timing is crucial for the best results. Start cooking the gnocchi when your sauce is almost done. This way, they stay fresh and warm. Mixing them in right after cooking keeps everything perfect. Enjoy the flavors together for a great meal. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out proteins in this recipe. Shrimp works great with sun-dried tomatoes. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian option. Both options will soak up the creamy sauce well. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. For gluten-free gnocchi, look for brands made from rice or potatoes. These swaps keep the meal tasty and satisfying. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. These herbs brighten the dish and add depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a zesty kick. You can also try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. Sun-dried tomatoes can be paired with olives for a Mediterranean flair. Consider adding artichoke hearts for a unique touch. These ideas can transform this creamy delight into something special. For more details, check the Full Recipe for inspiration and guidance! To keep your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration guidelines: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days. - Freezing the dish for future meals: You can freeze the gnocchi dish, but the texture may change. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts for about 2 months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, use these methods: - Best methods for reheating gnocchi: The best way is on the stove. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until warm. - Maintaining sauce creaminess: If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of cream or broth. This will help keep it creamy and delicious. What can I serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi? You can serve this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad pairs well, adding crunch and brightness. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead. Just cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve. This keeps everything nice and hot. Is gnocchi gluten-free? Traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can find gluten-free gnocchi made from alternative flours in stores. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried? Yes, fresh tomatoes can work! However, they will add more moisture. You might want to cook them down first to reduce the liquid. How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for more heat and flavor. Caloric content per serving Each serving of Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi has about 600 calories. This includes the chicken, cream, and gnocchi. Nutritional breakdown of key ingredients - Chicken breast: High in protein and low in fat. - Sun-dried tomatoes: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants. - Heavy cream: Adds creaminess but also calories and fat. - Parmesan cheese: Good source of calcium and flavor. - Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, plus iron. This blog post detailed how to make a delicious Chicken Gnocchi dish. We covered the important ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust flavors and use different proteins. I shared storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions about the dish. In conclusion, this recipe is easy to follow and offers many options. Enjoy creating a meal that’s tailored to your taste!

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi

Indulge in a creamy, flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi that’s perfect for a cozy dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce, all tossed with pillowy gnocchi. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an inviting dish your family will love. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your weeknight meals with a delightful twist!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi

2 cups baby spinach, rinsed and drained

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.

    In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn.

      Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and allow to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

        Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

          Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring well to combine everything. Add the baby spinach, cooking for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and is incorporated into the sauce.

            While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and gently fold them into the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately while hot.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the gnocchi in deep bowls, topping each portion with a few fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an elegant and appetizing look.