Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinners with you: Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi! This dish is packed with flavor, super easy to make, and comes together in just about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, you’ve come to the right place1.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 4-6 people
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
This Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights14.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this meal is on the table in half an hour1.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible16.
- Comfort Food: Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sauce – it’s the ultimate comfort food1.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces1
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder1
- 1 teaspoon onion powder1
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika1
- 1 teaspoon salt1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil1
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar1
- 3 cloves garlic, minced1
- 1 small shallot, minced1
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi1
- ½ cup chicken broth1
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream1
- 1 ½ cups chopped baby spinach1
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese1
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated1.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, shallot, and garlic. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through1.
- Add Gnocchi and Sauce: Stir in the gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to become tender in the sauce1.
Helpful Tip: No need to boil the gnocchi beforehand! It cooks perfectly in the skillet1. - Finish with Greens and Cheese: Remove the lid and add the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is melted into a luscious, thick sauce1.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Tuscan chicken and gnocchi is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Breadsticks: Serve with warm, crusty breadsticks for soaking up that delicious sauce1.
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with Italian dressing adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the dish1.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus would be a great addition.
Tips for Customization
- Add Protein: Try adding Italian sausage or shrimp for a different twist8.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat4.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale8.
- Cheese: Use different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a unique flavor8.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
- Yes, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
- I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce may separate and the gnocchi can become mushy.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
- You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes for a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
