Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
Description
Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish loaded with juicy chicken, soft potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs, all bathed in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a perfect cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Gnocchi & Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained & chopped)
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth
16 oz (1 package) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice thinly.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil or olive oil
Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Gnocchi:
Add gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce (no need to pre-boil).
Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 5–6 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in spinach and let wilt for 1–2 minutes.
Add sliced chicken back to the skillet.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and season to taste.
Serve hot with extra cheese or basil on top.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving; serves 4)
Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~600mg
(Note: values may vary based on ingredients and brands used)
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just add it in step 4 to heat through.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add mushrooms or white beans for protein.
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Yes, thaw them first or simmer slightly longer in the sauce if cooking from frozen.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can substitute with cherry tomatoes (fresh or roasted), though the flavor will be less concentrated.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half and half or whole milk instead of cream and cut back on cheese. You can also use low-fat Parmesan.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the