Name: Skillet Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium shallot, finely minced; 3 medium cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups 2% or skim milk; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 lb gnocchi, cooked according to package instructions; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups firmly-packed baby spinach; 1/4 cup minced fresh basil

This creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi features tender gnocchi and chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with lots of sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.

Gnocchi-lovers, you’re going to need to exercise some serious self-control today because this Tuscan-style gnocchi goodness is NOT playing around!

We’re quite literally piling all the goods into this hearty skillet dinner that’s ready in only 40 minutes so the risk level as to whether or not you eat it straight from the pan is pretty high.

No one can resist this creamy goodness, no one.

The real beauty of this gnocchi is that it feels like absolute fancy food, but it’s actually so easy to throw together and we’re totally pulling this off in under an hour.

This Tuscan Gnocchi features…

Pillowy gnocchi and juicy chicken cubes
A rich and creamy Parmesan sauce
Tender sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and fresh basil
Ready in only 40 minutes with a handful of ingredients

Making the Tuscan Gnocchi

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Shallot
Garlic
All-purpose flour
2% or skim milk
Heavy whipping cream
Gnocchi
Parmesan cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes
Baby spinach
Basil

Choosing Your Chicken

We recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. This cut of chicken is fast to cook up in the skillet and turns out super tender and juicy.

If you don’t have breasts on hand, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work great instead! You can also use leftover shredded or diced cooked chicken and add it at the end of cooking.

Tips for Perfect Tuscan Gnocchi

Pan sear chicken – this cooks the chicken through and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Cook gnocchi separately – boil the gnocchi several minutes until they float to the top of water.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – we love that you can use these straight out of the jar, no re-hydrating needed.
Add spinach at end of cooking – the heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it.
Use fresh basil – this adds an unmatchable fresh element to the dish.

Recipe Variations

Try these ideas for a different twist on this gnocchi.

Skip the meat – omit the chicken entirely or add a vegetable in its place (see ideas below)
Try a different cheese – try asiago, mozzarella, or cheddar in place of the Parmesan.
Add vegetables – try adding sautéed mushrooms, sweet pepper, peas, zucchini, or broccoli.

Storing Leftovers

This gnocchi is best served immediately warm from the skillet, but if you end up with some leftovers we find that they reheat perfectly fine in the microwave. Reheat individual servings on high 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Y’all, this gnocchi is one for the comfort food record books, NO contest! The creamy sauce coats every inch of the pillowy gnocchi and juicy chicken bites, while the sun-dried tomatoes and all that fresh basil and Parm kick all the flavors up.

Permanently on the dinner rotation with zero regrets.

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