Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

I absolutely love whipping up this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe whenever I want something comforting yet a little fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken and soft gnocchi makes it feel like a special meal, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. You’ll find that the sun-dried tomatoes add just the right tang and depth, brightening up the creamy goodness in a way that truly wakes up your taste buds.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how perfectly balanced the flavors were — creamy but not heavy, hearty but not overwhelming. It’s become a go-to when friends come over because it feels indulgent without the fuss. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers lots of comfort and flavor but doesn’t take all evening, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. Trust me, your family will go crazy for it too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a luscious sauce with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. I always recommend fresh spinach for that pop of color and nutrients, and sun-dried tomatoes add a punch of flavor that really elevates the whole dish.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a subtle fruity base flavor.
• Chicken breast: Cubed for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the spices.
• Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth—don’t skip this!
• Dried thyme: Earthy herb notes that pair wonderfully with chicken.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps deglaze the pan perfectly.
• Heavy cream: For that smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
• Cream cheese: Softened, it melts into the sauce creating creaminess without heaviness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty kick to finish off the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and shine to the final sauce.
• Gnocchi: Choose fresh or store-bought gnocchi that’s tender and pillowy.
• Fresh spinach: Wilted into the sauce for freshness and color.
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely flavored and slightly sweet, they balance the creaminess beautifully.
• Fresh parsley: For a bright and fresh garnish.

Variations

I love mixing things up based on what’s in my fridge or the season. This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Spicier version: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix; it gives a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken altogether—add mushrooms or artichokes for meaty texture instead.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to enjoy the same creamy comfort without gluten worries.
• Extra veggies: Toss in some roasted red peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrition; my family loves the freshness it adds.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a light golden color—about 6 to 8 minutes. I like to make sure the pieces are evenly sized so they cook uniformly, avoiding any undercooked chewy bites. Once the chicken is done, sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat every inch. This way, the spices bloom right in the warm skillet, giving the chicken an amazing flavor base.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth next and give the pan a good stir to deglaze—scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously—this is key—to help the cream cheese melt smoothly into a rich sauce without clumps. It usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Finally, toss in the butter, stirring until it’s melted and fully incorporated, which adds a glossy finish to your sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi and Combine

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes or until they float to the surface—that’s your little signal that they’re ready. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi directly into the skillet with your creamy chicken sauce. Adding gnocchi straight into the sauce lets them soak up all those rich flavors.

Step 4: Add the Greens and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next up, throw in the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts down, just about 1 to 2 minutes. This adds freshness and a beautiful pop of green. Lastly, mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to warm them through. I love how their sweet and tangy bite contrasts with the creamy sauce—it just elevates the whole dish. Don’t forget to finish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby touch before serving!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I swear by fresh chopped parsley on top—its bright, herbaceous flavor cuts through the richness and adds a lovely pop of green. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese for an indulgent touch. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving is my final flourish that makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I like pairing this creamy gnocchi dish with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is another favorite—perfect for mopping up all the luscious sauce. If you want to go lighter, a side of steamed green beans works beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this recipe in charming individual cast-iron skillets right from oven to table—it looks rustic and inviting. Another fun idea is layering it in a shallow casserole dish and broiling with extra Parmesan until golden and bubbly on top; it turns into a comforting gratin that everyone loves. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also add a delightful crunch and extra dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep nicely for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, I like to cool the dish to room temperature, so condensation doesn’t make it soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

While I prefer to enjoy this recipe fresh, it does freeze well if needed. I portion out servings, cool completely, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can help revive the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from sticking. If you notice the sauce thickening too much, stir in a little water, broth, or cream until you get the right consistency again. Microwave reheating works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, it’s an effortless way to impress without the stress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation just like it has in mine. Get ready for some serious compliments!

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