Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe!

There’s something undeniably magical about combining tender chicken breast with the delightful bite of gnocchi, especially when they’re swimming in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a dish that’s both heartwarming and indulgent, and perfect for those evenings when you crave something a tad unexpected yet utterly satisfying.

Having recently returned from a trip to Italy, I was inspired by the charm of traditional Italian gnocchi and knew I had to incorporate it into a recipe. And let me tell you, the result was nothing short of extraordinary. I couldn’t help but wish for an extra serving, and if my family’s empty plates were any indication, they felt the same way! So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey that will whisk you straight to the heart of Italy, I invite you to dive into this recipe. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

But first, watch this video with the recipe for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi and see how easy it is to make it:

Ingredients you need

Gnocchi: I used store-bought gnocchi made purely from potatoes without any added flavors. While you can make your own homemade gnocchi, ensure they aren’t too delicate, as they might break apart during pan-frying.

Chicken Breasts: It’s best to purchase two large chicken breasts, as we’ll be splitting each breast in half to obtain two fillets from each. If you can only find smaller breasts in the store, get four truly small ones and there’s no need to halve them.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: For this dish, I recommend opting for sun-dried tomatoes preserved in olive oil, preferably pre-sliced (julienne cut). The oil not only provides flavor but we’ll also use a spoonful directly in the sauce to enhance its taste.

Butter and olive oil – Using a combination of butter and olive oil for frying chicken is beneficial for two main reasons: the butter imparts a rich, creamy flavor, while the olive oil raises the smoking point, preventing the butter from burning easily.

Cream and chicken broth or vegetable broth – The cream and broth create our creamy, flavorful sauce. The broth adds extra taste, while the cream is the main component of the sauce. In a creamy sauce, cream contributes a rich, velvety texture and a luscious, full-bodied flavor that enhances the overall dish. Its fat content balances out other ingredients, resulting in a harmonious and smooth finish.

Additional ingredients: garlic powder, dried thyme and dried rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. It’s these additions that give our dish an even deeper, intriguing flavor.

How to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi.

Step by step…

STEP 1.

Cook the gnocchi in salted water. Drain and set aside. Slice the chicken breasts in half to obtain two thin fillets (cutlets) from each. From two breasts, you will get four pieces. Season each piece well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme on both sides.

STEP 2.

In a skillet, melt some butter and add a bit of olive oil. Then fry the chicken fillets. Cook for a few minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through. To check if the meat is ready, you can cut one fillet at its thickest point, and if the meat inside is not pink but white, then the fillet is done. If you have a meat thermometer, I recommend using it – the meat should reach a temperature of 165°F (74°C). After frying, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.

STEP 3.

Pour a bit of broth or wine into the pan (about 1/3 of a cup) to deglaze it. Stir and wait until most of the liquid has evaporated. Then add chili flakes and grated garlic cloves. Sauté the chili flakes and garlic for about half a minute, up to a maximum of one minute. Adding chili flakes is optional.

STEP 4.

Next, pour in the cream, broth, lemon juice, and add the sun-dried tomatoes. I also recommend adding a tablespoon of the oil/olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens noticeably.

STEP 5.

When the sauce is as thick as you want it, add the previously cooked gnocchi, finely chopped parsley, and the chicken meat to the pan. Keep everything on the heat for about 2 or 3 minutes to ensure the meat is warm. Serve immediately. That’s it. Enjoy!

When you’ve taken the time to craft such a delectable dish as Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, ensuring your leftovers maintain their deliciousness is essential. Here are some tips for storing and reheating this delightful meal:

Storing Leftovers:

Cool Promptly: Before storing, allow the dish to cool to room temperature but no longer than two hours to minimize bacterial growth.

Airtight Containers: Transfer your leftover creamy chicken gnocchi into airtight containers. This will prevent any moisture loss or unwanted flavors from entering the dish.

Refrigeration: Store the dish in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Reheating:

Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat portions in the microwave. Place the chicken with gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to allow steam to escape, and heat on medium power in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot.

Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the creamy chicken gnocchi gently on the stovetop. Pour the leftovers into a pan and heat over medium-low flame, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a touch of cream or chicken broth.

Avoid Overheating: Overcooking can make the chicken tough and the gnocchi overly soft. Heat just until the dish reaches your desired temperature.

Craving other delicious ideas for quick chicken dinners? Be sure to check these out:

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Yaki Udon. Stir Fried Chicken Udon.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi. Printable Recipe!