Looking to impress family or friends with a creamy, flavorful dish? My Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi is a game changer! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, delicious sun-dried tomatoes, and fluffy gnocchi in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, you’ll love how quickly this meal comes together. Dive in to discover the step-by-step instructions and tips to make this creamy delight shine on your table!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 bag (16 oz) gnocchi
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For this dish, the chicken breast gives the meal a hearty base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor that makes the dish pop. Gnocchi, those soft little pasta pillows, provide a comforting bite. Heavy cream makes everything rich and smooth, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick.
Spices and Seasoning
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic is the star here. It brings a strong aroma and flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds a nice richness. Salt and pepper are your best friends; they help enhance all the other flavors.
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra Parmesan
Garnishing your dish is like putting on the finishing touch. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it even creamier and more delicious.
For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into small pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. The garlic will become fragrant. Next, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix well. Cook this for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
Combining Ingredients
While the sauce simmers, boil a pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. Usually, this takes about 2 to 3 minutes until they float. Drain the gnocchi and add them to the sauce. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve this delicious dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. For the full recipe, check out the section above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To make perfect gnocchi, boil salted water and cook them until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be gentle when stirring them. Overcooking makes them mushy. For chicken, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and fully cooked, around 6-8 minutes. This gives it a nice flavor and keeps it juicy.
Sauce Consistency
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This will help it reach the right creamy texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. The heat will thicken it up. For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream and fresh grated Parmesan. Don’t skip these; they make a big difference in taste.
Presentation Ideas
To make your dish look great, serve it in deep bowls. This gives it an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds color and flavor. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. This not only looks good but also enhances the flavor. For the best experience, pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread. [Full Recipe]
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp adds a nice twist. Tofu works well for a vegetarian option. You can also add more colorful vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost the flavor? Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat. You can also mix in different cheeses. Goat cheese or feta can give a creamy, tangy taste. Experimenting with flavors makes this dish uniquely yours.
Side Dish Pairing
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The freshness balances the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It soaks up the sauce perfectly. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works great. These pairings enhance the meal experience.
Feel free to explore these variations to make your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first to avoid steam build-up. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating Techniques
When you reheat this dish, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. This method keeps the gnocchi soft and the sauce creamy. If possible, reheat the gnocchi and sauce separately. This avoids overcooking the gnocchi and helps maintain the sauce’s texture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this dish, but follow a few simple steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors. Note that freezing may slightly change the texture of the gnocchi.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi?
This dish is quick to make. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. This time frame makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To make it ahead, cook the chicken and sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. You can cook the gnocchi when you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.
What can I serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi?
This dish pairs well with a few sides. Here are some great options:
– A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
– Garlic bread for a crunchy side.
– A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
These choices will enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan over low heat. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it before reheating.
For the full recipe, check out the guide above.
This blog post guides you through making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi. We covered key ingredients, like chicken and heavy cream, and explained the cooking steps in detail. You learned tips for achieving a perfect sauce and how to make your dish visually appealing. We shared variations to customize your meal and provided storage recommendations.
You can easily whip up this dish and impress anyone. Enjoy the creamy flavors and feel free to experiment. Happy cooking!
![- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 bag (16 oz) gnocchi - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For this dish, the chicken breast gives the meal a hearty base. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor that makes the dish pop. Gnocchi, those soft little pasta pillows, provide a comforting bite. Heavy cream makes everything rich and smooth, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic is the star here. It brings a strong aroma and flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds a nice richness. Salt and pepper are your best friends; they help enhance all the other flavors. - Fresh basil leaves - Extra Parmesan Garnishing your dish is like putting on the finishing touch. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it even creamier and more delicious. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. Start by cutting the chicken breast into small pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. The garlic will become fragrant. Next, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix well. Cook this for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and creates a creamy texture. While the sauce simmers, boil a pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions. Usually, this takes about 2 to 3 minutes until they float. Drain the gnocchi and add them to the sauce. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve this delicious dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To make perfect gnocchi, boil salted water and cook them until they float. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be gentle when stirring them. Overcooking makes them mushy. For chicken, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Cook the chicken until it's golden and fully cooked, around 6-8 minutes. This gives it a nice flavor and keeps it juicy. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This will help it reach the right creamy texture. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. The heat will thicken it up. For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream and fresh grated Parmesan. Don't skip these; they make a big difference in taste. To make your dish look great, serve it in deep bowls. This gives it an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This adds color and flavor. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. This not only looks good but also enhances the flavor. For the best experience, pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread. [Full Recipe] {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp adds a nice twist. Tofu works well for a vegetarian option. You can also add more colorful vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. Want to boost the flavor? Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a little heat. You can also mix in different cheeses. Goat cheese or feta can give a creamy, tangy taste. Experimenting with flavors makes this dish uniquely yours. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The freshness balances the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It soaks up the sauce perfectly. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works great. These pairings enhance the meal experience. Feel free to explore these variations to make your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first to avoid steam build-up. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you reheat this dish, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. This method keeps the gnocchi soft and the sauce creamy. If possible, reheat the gnocchi and sauce separately. This avoids overcooking the gnocchi and helps maintain the sauce's texture. You can freeze this dish, but follow a few simple steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to preserve the flavors. Note that freezing may slightly change the texture of the gnocchi. This dish is quick to make. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 30 minutes from start to finish. This time frame makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Yes, you can! To make it ahead, cook the chicken and sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. You can cook the gnocchi when you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This dish pairs well with a few sides. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. These choices will enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan over low heat. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the guide above. This blog post guides you through making Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi. We covered key ingredients, like chicken and heavy cream, and explained the cooking steps in detail. You learned tips for achieving a perfect sauce and how to make your dish visually appealing. We shared variations to customize your meal and provided storage recommendations. You can easily whip up this dish and impress anyone. Enjoy the creamy flavors and feel free to experiment. Happy cooking!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/05893995-e445-4e71-bb3f-5b52142d0d1f-250x250.webp)