If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, golden chicken pieces with pillowy gnocchi, all swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce infused with smoky paprika, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly brings restaurant-level flavor to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Let me walk you through everything you need to make this delightful skillet supper that’s fast, fabulous, and sure to become a well-loved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by this dish—it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together brilliantly to deliver flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays an essential role in building that creamy, savory base that makes this recipe stand out.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect starting point for cooking the chicken and adding a smooth, fruity undertone.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these offer juicy protein and serve as the hearty centerpiece.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken with classic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Minced garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and an inviting savory note.
- Unsalted chicken stock: Deglazes the pan and forms a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luxurious, smooth body of the sauce you’ll adore.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully; store-bought works wonderfully for convenience.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Offer tangy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color throughout the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that enriches the sauce.
- Baby spinach leaves: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, leafy contrast that also boosts nutritional value.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, seasoning them right away with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Searing the chicken to a golden brown is essential here—cook for about six minutes until the pieces are cooked through and irresistibly juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm. This step lays the foundation for your skillet, locking in savory flavors that will mingle beautifully with the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base
In the same skillet, now loaded with all those browned bits from the chicken, melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 20 seconds. This quick step releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, setting the stage for the sauce’s depth.
Step 3: Deglaze and Start the Sauce
Pour in the unsalted chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck at the bottom—this magic touch amps up the sauce with savory umami goodness. Stir everything well before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi
Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add your potato gnocchi straight into the skillet. Let this simmer together for around five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up and the gnocchi to become tender and pillowy. This part is pure comfort on a plate in the making.
Step 5: Flavor it Up
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients meld to create a creamy, smoky, and tangy sauce that clings perfectly to every gnocchi and chicken piece. The Parmesan gives it that irresistible cheesy finish you’ll find yourself craving.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Finally, toss in the baby spinach leaves. Stir gently until they wilt right into the sauce, adding a pop of fresh green color and a subtle earthy note. If the sauce seems too thick, simply loosen it up with a splash of water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Bring it All Together
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, folding everything together so each bite delivers tender chicken, tender gnocchi, and an indulgent sauce all in one. Remove the pan from the heat and prepare to serve this beauty immediately. It’s seriously comforting, decadent, and surprisingly fast to make.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. A light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts either and amps up that savory richness. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet is rich and filling, so keep your sides light and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements perfectly, balancing the creamy sauce. For something warm, roasted asparagus or garlic green beans add a nice crunch and fresh veggie vibe without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish straight from the skillet to the table for a rustic, welcoming feel. You can also scoop it into shallow bowls so the cozy sauce pools invitingly around the gnocchi and chicken. For a touch of elegance, garnish with microgreens or edible flowers—they make this comforting meal look fancy without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare because it’s so delicious), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats well, making it a great option for next-day meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe, but because of the cream and spinach, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This will bring back its silky, luscious texture so each bite feels fresh and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time so the frozen gnocchi have time to cook through and become tender in the sauce.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese or evaporated milk, but keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less rich and thick.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Definitely! Use olive oil or dairy-free butter alternatives, swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to keep it creamy without dairy.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil as they’re more flavorful and softer, but if you only have dry ones, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping and adding.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all make delicious additions, just sauté them with the garlic before adding the liquid ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is truly a weeknight dinner winner that combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something homey yet impressive, and it will quickly earn a spot as a go-to in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and watch how quickly everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich creamy sauce with potato gnocchi, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Gnocchi
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add the potato gnocchi and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi become tender.
- Incorporate Flavors: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the smoked paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese, blending everything well together.
- Add Spinach: Mix in the baby spinach leaves and stir until wilted into the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- If you prefer, use fresh gnocchi for a softer texture.
- The sundried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness but can be omitted or replaced with sun-dried tomato paste for a different flavor.
- Add more chicken stock or water if sauce thickens too much during simmering.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but expect a less rich sauce.
