Creamy Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Speedy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Tender chicken sizzles with vibrant sun dried tomato goodness in this irresistible one skillet chicken and gnocchi masterpiece.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and bold flavors that wake up your taste buds.

Creamy sauce weaves through pillowy gnocchi, creating a comforting meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a delectable dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Each bite brings a harmonious blend of savory chicken, rich tomatoes, and soft potato dumplings.

The single pan ensures minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll love how quickly this restaurant-style dish comes together with minimal effort.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 13-15 minutes

Total Time: 18-20 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Power Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

For Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a silky foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavor depth.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds concentrated, tangy sweetness with intense Mediterranean character.
  • Garlic: Delivers aromatic pungency and robust culinary complexity.
For Protein and Main Elements:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Brings tender, pre-cooked protein with convenient rich flavor.
  • Gnocchi: Offers soft, pillowy potato dumplings that create hearty texture.
For Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates savory liquid base with delicate underlying richness.
  • Half and Half: Introduces luxurious creaminess and smooth consistency.
  • Baby Spinach: Provides vibrant green freshness and nutritional boost.
  • Asiago Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones with melty indulgence.
For Seasoning:
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates overall dish's flavor profile with classic seasoning.

One-Skillet Tools That Make Cooking Faster

  • Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for cooking entire dish with even heat distribution.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing gnocchi from sticking.
  • Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately portioning broth and half and half.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed for freshly grating Asiago cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps in slicing and preparing sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
  • Cutting Board: Safe surface for chopping ingredients before cooking.

Instructions for Cooking Gnocchi and Chicken Together

One Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi

  • Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and add sun-dried tomatoes with garlic. Cook until the kitchen fills with a rich, aromatic fragrance that signals deliciousness is coming.

  • Gnocchi Magic

Drop uncooked gnocchi into the skillet, blending with tomatoes and garlic. Pour chicken broth and cream, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until gnocchi become pillowy and tender, soaking up all the delectable liquid.

  • Protein and Greens Transformation

Introduce shredded chicken and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Let everything mingle and warm through, creating a gorgeous medley of textures and flavors that dance together.

  • Cheesy Finale

Shower the dish with freshly grated Asiago cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious blanket over the entire skillet. Serve immediately while everything is hot and wonderfully inviting.

Tomato and Cheese Variations to Try

  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate the dish's aroma and taste profile. Chopped fresh herbs add a vibrant, garden-fresh touch that transforms the entire meal.
  • Protein Power Switch: Swap shredded chicken with crispy pancetta, grilled shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like roasted tofu for a delightful twist. Each protein brings its unique texture and flavor dimensions to the skillet.
  • Creamy Sauce Secrets: For a lighter version, replace half and half with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. These alternatives offer rich creaminess while reducing overall calories and adding subtle complementary flavors.
  • Veggie Volume Boost: Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. These colorful additions create more complexity and depth in every single bite.
  • Leftover Magic: Refrigerate remaining gnocchi skillet for up to three days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and maintain that fresh-cooked taste.

Serve This Dish for Weeknight Comfort

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table with loved ones and savor this hearty one-skillet meal that brings everyone together with its warm, comforting flavors.
  • Elegant Date Night Special: Elevate your romantic dinner by serving this gourmet-style chicken and gnocchi dish with a crisp white wine and soft candlelight for a memorable evening.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in individual containers for a delicious lunch at work or school, ensuring a tasty and satisfying midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.
  • Weekend Comfort Food Feast: Create a relaxed weekend lunch or dinner experience by pairing this dish with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keep Your Gnocchi Warm and Flavorful

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double portion and store extra servings in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated dishes stay delicious for 3-4 days, perfect for busy professionals and families seeking convenient dining options.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Carefully package cooled gnocchi chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention by removing excess air before sealing.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain original texture.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Shred chicken and chop spinach in advance during weekend meal prep. Store separately in sealed containers, reducing cooking time and simplifying weekday dinner assembly. Keeps ingredients fresh and ready for quick, delicious meals.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi Recipe

Creamy Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent sun-dried tomato chicken and gnocchi creates a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Creamy sauce, pillowy gnocchi, and tender chicken blend perfectly for a delightful dinner experience you can savor in one simple skillet.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) shredded rotisserie chicken, or any other cooked chicken
  • 12 oz (340 g) gnocchi (gluten-free, if preferred)
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup half and half, or heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Asiago cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to create a non-stick, flavor-rich foundation.
  2. Aromatics: Sauté sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic for 3 minutes, releasing their intense, mouth-watering fragrance.
  3. Gnocchi Integration: Add uncooked gnocchi to the skillet, carefully separating to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken broth and half and half into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the dish’s taste complexity.
  5. Simmering Stage: Cover and let the mixture gently simmer for 5 minutes, transforming gnocchi into tender, pillowy delights while melding flavors.
  6. Final Touches: Incorporate shredded chicken and baby spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and chicken reaches optimal temperature throughout.
  7. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle Asiago cheese generously, allowing it to melt into a creamy, luxurious coating that unifies all ingredients.
  8. Serving: Present directly from the skillet, ensuring diners experience the dish at its most flavorful and steaming-hot moment.

Notes

  • Prepare Skillet Strategically: Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent gnocchi from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Watch Garlic Carefully: Sauté sun-dried tomatoes and garlic quickly to release flavors without burning, creating a rich aromatic base.
  • Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth and half-and-half amounts for desired sauce thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • Melt Cheese Perfectly: Add Asiago cheese off direct heat and fold gently to create a smooth, creamy texture without causing separation.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star