Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Flavorful Dinner Delight

by
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Additional cheese options Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi. You need chicken breast for protein, diced into small pieces. Gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade, will create a chewy base for this dish. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color and flavor. In your pantry, you will need olive oil to cook the chicken and create the sauce. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, while Italian seasoning provides that delightful Tuscan touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves are a must. They not only look great but also add a fresh taste. You might also want to consider extra cheese for a richer finish. With these ingredients ready, you can move on to making this delicious dinner! To cook the gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook until they float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This floating is a sign they are done. Carefully drain them and set aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in two cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Mix well, then add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, add the chicken and the cooked gnocchi back into the skillet. Gently stir everything together so the chicken and gnocchi are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To ensure the chicken is tender, use fresh or thawed chicken. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor and helps create a nice crust. For a creamy texture, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well with the sautéed garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer gently to avoid curdling. The Parmesan cheese adds richness, so use freshly grated cheese for the best results. Serve this dish with a simple salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi. Garlic bread also makes a great side, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For wine pairings, try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Its acidity complements the dish nicely. Use a large pot for boiling the gnocchi. A deep skillet works best for cooking the chicken and sauce. A good wooden spoon helps mix everything well. If you have a cheese grater, use it for the Parmesan. This makes it fresh and fluffy. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free gnocchi, you have options. Many stores sell gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour. You can also make your own using mashed potatoes and gluten-free flour. This way, you can enjoy this dish while staying gluten-free. For vegetarians or vegans, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Use cashew cream or a nut-based milk for that creamy texture. Nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish rich and satisfying. To change up the flavors, try adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make great choices. You can sauté these with the garlic and tomatoes for extra taste. Spicing it up can bring a new twist. Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This not only boosts flavor but also adds freshness to your creamy sauce. Experiment with these variations to find what you love best! To keep your creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy your dish for up to three days when stored properly. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later! To reheat gnocchi, the best method is on the stove. Start by adding a splash of water or cream to a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add your gnocchi mixture and stir gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and avoids burning. Heat until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it to keep moisture in, and heat for short intervals. When stored correctly, creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi lasts about three to four days in the fridge. If frozen, it stays good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy your leftovers! Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It adds a personal touch. Homemade gnocchi is often fresher and tastier. However, it can take more time to prepare. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and convenient. It cooks easily and saves time. Choose what fits your schedule and skills best. To add heat, consider using red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers. If you like a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Spicy ingredients enhance the overall dish flavor. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half. You can also try Greek yogurt mixed with milk. Coconut milk gives a nice flavor but alters the taste. Silken tofu blended into a smooth texture is another option. Each substitute changes the creaminess, so pick what you like. In this blog post, we explored how to create a delicious chicken and gnocchi dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and fresh veggies, along with pantry staples for flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods to ensure tasty results. I also shared useful tips for preparing, serving, and storing the dish. Try variations to fit your tastes, including dietary changes and flavor tweaks. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your meal with friends and family!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, all brought together in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect dish to impress your family or guests. In this article, I’ll guide you through every step, from picking the right ingredients to the best cooking techniques. Get ready for a flavorful delight that will satisfy every palate!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced

– 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups fresh spinach

Pantry Staples

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 cup heavy cream

– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

Suggested Garnishes

– Fresh basil leaves

– Additional cheese options

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi. You need chicken breast for protein, diced into small pieces. Gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade, will create a chewy base for this dish. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color and flavor.

In your pantry, you will need olive oil to cook the chicken and create the sauce. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, while Italian seasoning provides that delightful Tuscan touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

For garnishing, fresh basil leaves are a must. They not only look great but also add a fresh taste. You might also want to consider extra cheese for a richer finish.

With these ingredients ready, you can move on to making this delicious dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Gnocchi

To cook the gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook until they float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This floating is a sign they are done. Carefully drain them and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Making the Sauce

In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in two cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Mix well, then add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Final Assembly

Now, add the chicken and the cooked gnocchi back into the skillet. Gently stir everything together so the chicken and gnocchi are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To ensure the chicken is tender, use fresh or thawed chicken. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor and helps create a nice crust.

For a creamy texture, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well with the sautéed garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer gently to avoid curdling. The Parmesan cheese adds richness, so use freshly grated cheese for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a simple salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi. Garlic bread also makes a great side, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For wine pairings, try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Its acidity complements the dish nicely.

Equipment Recommendations

Use a large pot for boiling the gnocchi. A deep skillet works best for cooking the chicken and sauce. A good wooden spoon helps mix everything well. If you have a cheese grater, use it for the Parmesan. This makes it fresh and fluffy.

Variations

Dietary Adaptations

If you need gluten-free gnocchi, you have options. Many stores sell gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour. You can also make your own using mashed potatoes and gluten-free flour. This way, you can enjoy this dish while staying gluten-free.

For vegetarians or vegans, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Use cashew cream or a nut-based milk for that creamy texture. Nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish rich and satisfying.

Flavor Variations

To change up the flavors, try adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make great choices. You can sauté these with the garlic and tomatoes for extra taste.

Spicing it up can bring a new twist. Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This not only boosts flavor but also adds freshness to your creamy sauce. Experiment with these variations to find what you love best!

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

To keep your creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy your dish for up to three days when stored properly. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat gnocchi, the best method is on the stove. Start by adding a splash of water or cream to a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add your gnocchi mixture and stir gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and avoids burning. Heat until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just cover it to keep moisture in, and heat for short intervals.

Shelf Life

When stored correctly, creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi lasts about three to four days in the fridge. If frozen, it stays good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy your leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It adds a personal touch. Homemade gnocchi is often fresher and tastier. However, it can take more time to prepare. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and convenient. It cooks easily and saves time. Choose what fits your schedule and skills best.

How can I make it spicier?

To add heat, consider using red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers. If you like a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Spicy ingredients enhance the overall dish flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half. You can also try Greek yogurt mixed with milk. Coconut milk gives a nice flavor but alters the taste. Silken tofu blended into a smooth texture is another option. Each substitute changes the creaminess, so pick what you like.

In this blog post, we explored how to create a delicious chicken and gnocchi dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and fresh veggies, along with pantry staples for flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods to ensure tasty results. I also shared useful tips for preparing, serving, and storing the dish.

Try variations to fit your tastes, including dietary changes and flavor tweaks. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your meal with friends and family!

- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Additional cheese options Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi. You need chicken breast for protein, diced into small pieces. Gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade, will create a chewy base for this dish. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color and flavor. In your pantry, you will need olive oil to cook the chicken and create the sauce. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick, while Italian seasoning provides that delightful Tuscan touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves are a must. They not only look great but also add a fresh taste. You might also want to consider extra cheese for a richer finish. With these ingredients ready, you can move on to making this delicious dinner! To cook the gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook until they float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This floating is a sign they are done. Carefully drain them and set aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same skillet, add three cloves of minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in two cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in one cup of heavy cream. Mix well, then add half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, add the chicken and the cooked gnocchi back into the skillet. Gently stir everything together so the chicken and gnocchi are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To ensure the chicken is tender, use fresh or thawed chicken. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor and helps create a nice crust. For a creamy texture, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well with the sautéed garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer gently to avoid curdling. The Parmesan cheese adds richness, so use freshly grated cheese for the best results. Serve this dish with a simple salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the gnocchi. Garlic bread also makes a great side, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For wine pairings, try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Its acidity complements the dish nicely. Use a large pot for boiling the gnocchi. A deep skillet works best for cooking the chicken and sauce. A good wooden spoon helps mix everything well. If you have a cheese grater, use it for the Parmesan. This makes it fresh and fluffy. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free gnocchi, you have options. Many stores sell gluten-free gnocchi made from potato or rice flour. You can also make your own using mashed potatoes and gluten-free flour. This way, you can enjoy this dish while staying gluten-free. For vegetarians or vegans, swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Use cashew cream or a nut-based milk for that creamy texture. Nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish rich and satisfying. To change up the flavors, try adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make great choices. You can sauté these with the garlic and tomatoes for extra taste. Spicing it up can bring a new twist. Add red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This not only boosts flavor but also adds freshness to your creamy sauce. Experiment with these variations to find what you love best! To keep your creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy your dish for up to three days when stored properly. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later! To reheat gnocchi, the best method is on the stove. Start by adding a splash of water or cream to a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Add your gnocchi mixture and stir gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and avoids burning. Heat until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it to keep moisture in, and heat for short intervals. When stored correctly, creamy Tuscan chicken gnocchi lasts about three to four days in the fridge. If frozen, it stays good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy your leftovers! Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It adds a personal touch. Homemade gnocchi is often fresher and tastier. However, it can take more time to prepare. Store-bought gnocchi is quick and convenient. It cooks easily and saves time. Choose what fits your schedule and skills best. To add heat, consider using red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers. If you like a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Spicy ingredients enhance the overall dish flavor. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half. You can also try Greek yogurt mixed with milk. Coconut milk gives a nice flavor but alters the taste. Silken tofu blended into a smooth texture is another option. Each substitute changes the creaminess, so pick what you like. In this blog post, we explored how to create a delicious chicken and gnocchi dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and fresh veggies, along with pantry staples for flavor. You learned step-by-step cooking methods to ensure tasty results. I also shared useful tips for preparing, serving, and storing the dish. Try variations to fit your tastes, including dietary changes and flavor tweaks. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your meal with friends and family!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a savory cream sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's easy to make and oh-so-satisfying! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this Italian classic to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

        Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

          Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

            Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

              Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?