Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi: A Rich, One-Pan Comfort Dish for Any Night

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi is a warm, indulgent, and satisfying one-pan dish that feels luxurious but comes together in just about 30 minutes. This recipe features pillowy-soft potato gnocchi simmered directly in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, paired with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and juicy chicken for added heartiness. The result is a rich and comforting meal that delivers bold flavor without needing complicated steps or ingredients.

Inspired by Tuscan-style cooking, this version skips traditional bacon or pancetta in favor of seared chicken—making it a pork-free but still savory option for anyone looking to enjoy creamy comfort food. The gnocchi cooks directly in the sauce, helping to thicken it naturally and absorb all the delicious flavors. Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in, a dinner party, or a weeknight family meal, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated, uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 small shallot or yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
• 2/3 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth if preferred)
• 3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream (use more for a looser sauce, or substitute half-and-half)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
• Optional: a splash of lemon juice to brighten the final dish

Chicken Substitute for Bacon

• 8 oz (about 225 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika for added flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

Preparation Notes

• Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Chop onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time to streamline cooking.
• Keep the spinach ready to toss in at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Keep any browned bits in the pan for flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
   • Add the diced shallot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
   • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.

3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
   • Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 more minutes.

4. Add Gnocchi and Simmer
   • Stir in the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce.
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the sauce and cook through.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
   • The gnocchi should be tender and slightly puffed when done.

5. Finish with Chicken and Spinach
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Add the baby spinach and stir gently to wilt. This should take about 1–2 minutes.
   • Once the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Add Cheese and Fresh Herbs
   • Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired to cut through the richness.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Use shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience. There’s no need to boil it separately—this recipe is designed for gnocchi to cook directly in the sauce.
• Control the sauce consistency by adjusting the amount of cream. Start with 3/4 cup and add more as needed if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They provide a burst of tangy-sweet flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
• Smoked paprika adds a slight smokiness to the chicken and mimics the flavor of bacon if you want a deeper taste.
• Half-and-half or whole milk can be used in place of cream, but the sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich.
• Grate cheese yourself for the smoothest melt. Pre-grated cheese may not melt evenly due to added stabilizers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread like a baguette or homemade garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside a salad, such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or mixed greens with balsamic.
• Add roasted vegetables on the side for extra nutrients—broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus work well.
• Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil just before serving to add brightness and texture.
• Serve family-style in a large shallow bowl or pan for easy self-serving and an inviting presentation.

Final Thought

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: simple, comforting, and full of flavor. It brings the richness of a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, the depth of sun-dried tomatoes, and the hearty satisfaction of golden-brown chicken—all layered over soft, pillowy gnocchi that soaks up every bit of sauce. Cooking it all in one pan not only saves time and cleanup but also lets every ingredient contribute to the overall flavor.

Whether you’re new to gnocchi or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s flexible, delicious, and requires no fancy tools or techniques. Just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and half an hour of your evening.

Warm, filling, and restaurant-quality without the restaurant effort—Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi checks every box.