Introduction

This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi dish is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi swim in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s an easy recipe that feels indulgent without requiring much fuss.

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (such as rotisserie chicken seasoning)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
12 ounces store-bought gnocchi
2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
1/2 cup cream
1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme, to taste
Grated Parmesan, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with your chosen seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the shallots and sun-dried tomatoes for about 5 minutes until the shallots soften and turn golden.
Step 3: Add the gnocchi and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the cream and torn spinach leaves. Keep the mixture at a low simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the spinach to wilt.
Step 5: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and warm through.
Step 6: Serve the chicken pieces alongside a scoop of the creamy gnocchi. Spoon some extra sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping fresh spinach for kale for a heartier texture.
If you prefer a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of cream, but simmer a little longer to thicken.
For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the shallots and sun-dried tomatoes.
Use homemade gnocchi if you want to elevate this dish further.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just add a minute or two to the simmering time until they float and are tender.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try using chopped roasted red peppers or omit them altogether for a simpler flavor.

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

This creamy chicken and gnocchi recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served in a rich, flavorful sauce with sautéed shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with chicken broth and cream, finished with fresh thyme and grated Parmesan, this dish offers a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. chicken breasts, pounded thin or thinly sliced
1 tablespoon seasoning of choice (e.g., rotisserie chicken seasoning)

Sauce and Gnocchi

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large shallot, thinly sliced or minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
12 ounces store-bought gnocchi
2 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
1/2 cup cream
1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into smaller pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves, to taste
Grated Parmesan, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with your choice of seasoning (approximately 1 tablespoon). Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté shallots and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the sliced or minced shallot, and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the shallots become golden and softened, releasing their flavors.
Cook gnocchi: Add the store-bought gnocchi and 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
Add cream and spinach: Pour in 1/2 cup cream and add the torn spinach leaves to the pan. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and maintain a low simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the spinach to wilt.
Season and combine: Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently nestle it into the creamy gnocchi mixture to warm through.
Serve: Plate the chicken with a generous scoop of the creamy gnocchi and sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top or stir it into the sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish.

Notes

You can adjust the seasoning on the chicken based on your preference or dietary needs. Rotisserie chicken seasoning adds a nice flavor, but paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning work well too.
If sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are not available, you can substitute with dry sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water and drained. Avoid sun-dried tomatoes packed in dry form without oil for optimum flavor and texture.
Add extra chicken broth if you prefer a thinner sauce or if the gnocchi absorb more liquid during cooking.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if necessary.
This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Keywords: creamy chicken gnocchi, chicken gnocchi recipe, creamy gnocchi, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken gnocchi, Italian comfort food