Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and bursting with flavor. What makes it really special is the creamy sauce that lovingly coats tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, all brightened up by fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner by yourself or trying to impress a hungry crowd, this recipe works beautifully. It’s surprisingly quick to pull together, and you don’t need tons of fancy ingredients—just good basics and a little love. I’ve made plenty of creamy chicken dishes, but this one stands out because of the balance between richness and freshness. Plus, “Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe” has a ring to it that just makes you want to dig in, right?

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe are simple but work in harmony to give you that luscious, silky texture and vibrant flavors. I always recommend using fresh spinach and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes because they really elevate the dish.

• Olive oil: Adds a mellow fruity base to sauté the chicken without overpowering.
• Chicken breast: Cubed for quick cooking and even seasoning absorption.
• Garlic powder: For savory depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
• Paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that’s just right, not spicy.
• Dried thyme: Earthy herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with chicken.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor when used thoughtfully.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance richness.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the creamy sauce; vegetable broth can also work.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that silky richness that coats every bite.
• Cream cheese: Melts down beautifully to thicken and add tanginess.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, and essential for that savory depth.
• Butter: Finishes the sauce with a luscious smoothness.
• Gnocchi: The star carb—pillowy, soft, and perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh, delicate flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Tangy and sweet, they bring a welcome contrast.
• Fresh parsley: For a bright, herby finish that ties it all together.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have or your preferences and still get fantastic results. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

• Spicy Twist: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes and it added a delightful heat without overpowering the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms or crispy tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free gnocchi makes this recipe accessible, and it tastes just as amazing—my family couldn’t tell the difference.
• Cheesier Variation: Adding extra Parmesan on top just before serving brings an indulgent finish that my cheese-loving friends adore.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—that warm base is where everything starts to come together. Add the cubed chicken breast and give it some love by stirring occasionally until all sides are lightly browned and the chicken is cooked through, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. I like to keep an eye out so the chicken doesn’t dry out—juicy bites make all the difference here.

Step 2: Season and Build the Flavor

Once the chicken looks good, sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure every piece is evenly coated—that’s where the beautiful, balanced flavor begins. Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the skillet’s bottom—it’s magic for your sauce!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Dream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Keep stirring continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce turns irresistibly smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the butter until it blends in perfectly, giving the sauce a silky finish you’ll adore.

Step 4: Cook Gnocchi and Add Freshness

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—usually just 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the top, which means they’re perfectly cooked. Using a slotted spoon, drain and add them straight into the creamy skillet. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt gently—just 1 to 2 minutes is enough. Finally, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute to warm them through and release their flavor.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and bright flavor. Serve immediately, making sure each plate gets a generous drizzle of that gorgeous creamy sauce. This is when everyone at the table starts to smile—and maybe ask for seconds!

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

Garnishes

I usually finish with freshly chopped parsley, which gives it a fresh, vibrant note and a lovely pop of green. Sometimes, I like adding an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy touch or a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil for sheen and flavor depth. A crack of fresh black pepper on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty, so I tend to keep sides light—simple garlic bread or a crisp garden salad works beautifully. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans are also great if you’re after something a bit more veggie-forward. Whatever you choose, aim for sides that complement the creaminess without weighing things down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this in individual shallow bowls and topping each portion with a lemon zest garnish—it adds a surprising brightness. Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish and finishing under the broiler with extra cheese for a golden crust. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks gorgeous on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just be aware the baby spinach will wilt more after refrigeration, so I sometimes add a fresh handful when reheating to brighten it back up.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but the texture of the gnocchi and spinach may change slightly. I recommend freezing only the chicken and sauce without the gnocchi or spinach and adding fresh gnocchi and greens when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

When I reheat leftovers, I do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the sauce doesn’t separate. If it feels too thick, a splash of cream or broth gets it back to that perfect saucy consistency. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the creamy texture silky and smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the recipe I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a gift to yourself after a long day. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite comfort meal to share with your loved ones.

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