After a long day filled with deadlines and to-do lists, there’s just something comforting about sliding into the kitchen and whipping up a meal that warms both the heart and the belly. Enter my go-to recipe: the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. This dish combines the tender bite of gnocchi with succulent chicken and the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic—all in just thirty minutes.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a pantry cleanup, trying to salvage some well-loved ingredients. The result? A dish so creamy and delicious that it quickly became a staple in our home. You won’t believe how effortlessly it comes together, transforming an ordinary weeknight into something special.
Imagine the scene: a golden-brown chicken sizzling in the pan, the sweet aroma of sun-dried tomatoes dancing alongside, and a lush cream sauce bubbling gently as it all melds together. Trust me, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table, effortlessly creating a delightful family meal or an inviting feast for friends. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- This recipe is incredibly easy, making dinner a breeze even on your busiest days.
- The rich and savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce will leave everyone wanting seconds.
- With its versatility, you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to customize the dish to your liking.
- Visually, the vibrant colors of spinach and tomatoes create an enticing presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to a delightful meal with these simple ingredients!
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – use 3-4, roughly 1 lb, to ensure tender bites that complement the gnocchi.
- Salt and pepper – season generously for a flavorful base.
For the Gnocchi Dish
- Store-bought gnocchi – a 16 oz package saves time and delivers a perfect, chewy texture.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – 1 cup, chopped; they bring a sweet, tangy flavor that shines in this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken gnocchi skillet.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half) – 1 cup enriches the sauce for a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups will wilt beautifully into the dish, adding color and nutrients.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced enhance the aroma with a fragrant kick.
- Grated fresh Parmesan cheese – 1 cup for a savory finish that beautifully melds with the sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tbsp to sauté the chicken and garlic to perfection.
Each of these ingredients contributes to making your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet a mouthwatering masterpiece!
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will make cooking quick and easy!
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Sauté Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
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Add Flavors: Mix in the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen fills with the fragrant aroma of garlic!
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Create the Sauce: Lower the heat slightly, then add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce begins to simmer (around 2-3 minutes), becoming creamy and inviting.
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Cook Gnocchi and Spinach: Stir in the gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cook until the gnocchi is well-coated and the spinach wilts down, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts, creating a rich, cheesy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Optional: Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for added flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?
To create a comforting and memorable meal, consider these delightful pairings that will elevate your dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery delight is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adds a comforting touch.
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Roasted Broccoli: The slight bitterness and crunchy texture of roasted broccoli provides a delightful contrast to the rich dish. Pairing it with a squeeze of lemon brightens the entire meal.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy richness and adds crisp, refreshing elements to the table.
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Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc matches beautifully with the creamy sauce, enhancing the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and leaves you feeling refreshed after a hearty meal.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: This refreshing drink adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the dish while keeping things light and refreshing.
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Pesto Pasta: For a flavorful side, serve a small portion of pesto pasta. The herby notes of the pesto will harmonize perfectly.
Elevate your dining experience with these wonderful accompaniments, ensuring no plate goes back to the kitchen untouched!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to regain its creaminess.
Freezer: To freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce luscious and creamy.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye out while reheating. Gnocchi can become mushy if heated for too long. Stir intermittently for the best results!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe and make it your own!
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a rich vegan version.
- Protein Boost: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or diced tofu for a different protein that complements the gnocchi beautifully.
- Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist that brings different textures to the dish.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to bring a delightful heat that contrasts the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Swap: Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and smoky flavor that’s equally satisfying.
- Pasta Option: Replace gnocchi with your favorite pasta shape for a classic spin, such as penne or fusilli, adding a different bite.
- Nutty Flavor: Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts can introduce a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet ingredients are perfect for meal prep! You can chop the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce (combining the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream) ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the skillet and add the chicken, sauce, gnocchi, and spinach as you normally would. This way, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked comfort food on even the busiest weeknights, with minimal effort while ensuring everything remains just as flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet, ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly and prevent drying out.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken to achieve a perfect golden brown color; cook in batches if necessary.
- When simmering the cream, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent it from curdling while achieving a rich flavor.
- Lastly, remember that gnocchi only needs a few minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on it to maintain its delightful chewy texture.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing sun-dried tomatoes, look for those that are still slightly moist and have a vibrant color. Avoid any that are overly dry or have dark spots all over, as this could indicate spoilage.
How should I store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi?
To keep your dish fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to help restore its creamy consistency.
Can I freeze the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on medium heat in a skillet, adding a little cream or broth to maintain its luscious texture.
What should I do if my gnocchi turns out too mushy?
Very! If your gnocchi becomes mushy, it might have been overcooked. To prevent this, keep an eye on it while cooking, aiming for a total cooking time of just 3-5 minutes until it’s perfectly tender but retains its chewy texture. Stir gently while it cooks for a better result.
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
For those with dietary restrictions, I recommend using gluten-free gnocchi and checking your sun-dried tomatoes for any potential additives. If your guests have dairy allergies, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, which will still give you a creamy texture and delightful flavor. Always ask guests about allergies before serving!
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to customize your dish. Just sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. The more the merrier!
Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Mix in the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Lower the heat slightly, then add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce begins to simmer, becoming creamy and inviting.
- Stir in the gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cook until the gnocchi is well-coated and the spinach wilts down, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts, creating a rich, cheesy sauce.
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