Super Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi
Indulge in Succulent Chicken, Pillowy Gnocchi, and a Luscious Cream Sauce
Inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi features sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a velvety cream sauce. Hearty, rich, and ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect comfort meal for any occasion.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi – A Quick, One-Pan Italian Comfort Meal
DifficultyMedium
Servings4
Prep time15 minutes
Cook time30 minutes
Total time45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (or thighs for more tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi, (store-bought or homemade)
- Salted water for boiling
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 2
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 3
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Combine Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce:
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, followed by the sliced chicken. Toss everything together in the creamy sauce until well-coated.
- 5
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Optionally, top with additional Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling gnocchi
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Recipe Notes & Variations:
Substitutions:
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even shrimp for a seafood version.
- Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Gnocchi: Feel free to use store-bought gnocchi or homemade. You can also substitute gnocchi with pasta, such as penne or fettuccine.
Pro Tips:
- ADD ITALIAN SAUSAGE! If you’re feeling indulgent.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a little more heat.
- Reheating: Gnocchi can be delicate, so reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
- Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just make sure to cook them directly from frozen without thawing.
Can I prepare this in advance? - While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then assemble the dish just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth.
Nutrition
| Calories | 550 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 10g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi brings a comforting, hearty, and rich Italian-inspired meal to your table in less than an hour. Drawing from the traditional Tuscan cuisine, which is known for its use of simple, yet bold ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and creamy sauces, this dish combines succulent chicken and pillowy gnocchi in a luscious cream sauce that feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect example of how Italian cooking transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe
The key to this creamy chicken gnocchi is in balancing the textures and flavors. The chicken must be tender and juicy, the gnocchi light and soft, and the sauce rich and creamy, with the sun-dried tomatoes adding a punch of flavor. Cooking it in one pan helps meld the flavors together seamlessly.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
This dish is easy to customize and can be tailored to your taste. You can add extra vegetables, swap the chicken for shrimp, or make it lighter by using half-and-half. The gnocchi adds a unique twist, making it feel more luxurious and comforting than a typical pasta dish.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
- Chicken: Tender chicken breasts seasoned with simple spices.
- Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and tangy with a hint of sun-dried tomato and basil.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi that absorbs all the rich sauce.
What Occasions It’s Good For
- Dinner: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with the family.
- Special occasions: This creamy dish is also elegant enough for a dinner party or date night.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
The Tuscan chicken gnocchi recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a deliciously creamy, filling dinner that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. It’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup easy and can be ready in less than 45 minutes.
