One Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi

Short Description:

This One Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s packed with savory chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup but delivers maximum flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with a tangy depth, making each bite a satisfying experience. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and convenience. Using just one skillet, you can make a complete meal that’s both comforting and elegant. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, tender gnocchi, and the tangy sun-dried tomato cream sauce is irresistible. The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights or special occasions. With only a few ingredients, this dish brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort, leaving you with a meal that’s both rich and satisfying.

this Recipe

Ingredient

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors infuse into the butter.
3. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions (usually boiling them until they float to the surface). Drain and set aside.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sun-dried tomato sauce and stir to coat the gnocchi in the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place it on top of the gnocchi.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and savory goodness in every bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
• Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey breast for a different twist on this dish.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat and extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi if you prefer a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and heat it up when ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh gnocchi. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking frozen gnocchi.

3. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu for a different variation of the dish.

4. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes work great for this recipe. Just make sure to drain them well before using them in the sauce.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as it would be with heavy cream.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

8. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

9. What can I use instead of gnocchi?

If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use small pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle as a substitute.

10. How do I make this dish less rich?

To make the dish lighter, use less cream and substitute with more chicken broth or a milk alternative. You can also skip the butter and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

One Skillet Sun Dried Tomato Chicken and Gnocchi is a delightful, quick, and easy dish that combines juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner, this one-pan meal offers bold flavors and minimal cleanup. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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