Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a rich, indulgent yet surprisingly simple dinner, you’re going to love this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe I come back to when I want something comforting that feels a little fancy but doesn’t mean slaving over the stove all night. Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious sauce packed with the tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient brings a special touch to the table. The sun dried tomato oil is a secret hero that amps up the flavor, and using a mix of milk and half and half creates a sauce that’s creamy without being too heavy.

• Gnocchi: I always use fresh or frozen store-bought gnocchi; they cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Sun dried tomato oil: Don’t toss it! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for cooking the chicken and roasting garlic.
• Unsalted butter: Helps build richness in the sauce without overpowering the sun dried tomato flavor.
• Chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking—they’re ideal for this recipe and keep the meat juicy.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the best in the chicken and sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for that aromatic base in the sauce.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Chop them finely so every bite bursts with that tangy, sweet punch.
• Milk (3.25%): Adds creaminess and body without being too heavy.
• Half and half: Boosts the lusciousness of the sauce while keeping it silky smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible—the salty, nutty flavor rounds out the sauce perfectly.
• Cornstarch: A little magic powder to thicken the sauce without clumps or heaviness.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a fresh herbal note and makes for a pretty garnish.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but I’ve had fun customizing it to suit different moods or what’s in the fridge. You’ll find that it’s super versatile, so feel free to experiment.

• Veggie Twist: I’ve swapped chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach before, and it turned out just as delicious for a vegetarian dinner.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Dairy-Free: Try substituting the milk and half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, plus a vegan Parmesan, for a plant-friendly version.
• Extra Protein: Toss in some crispy bacon or pancetta for another layer of indulgent flavor.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by cooking your gnocchi according to the package instructions. I usually boil them until they float to the surface, which only takes a couple of minutes. Drain them well and set aside—this keeps them from getting soggy later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the butter together with the sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet. This combo gives the chicken a caramelized golden crust and infuses it with flavor. Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then cook them over medium-high heat until they’re no longer pink inside and have a nice golden color. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and don’t forget to rest it — this keeps it juicy.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

If your skillet looks dry, add a little more sun dried tomato oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, then sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is nice and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point — I promise!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the milk, half and half, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Then whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth, and add that to the skillet. This is what thickens the sauce—watch it bubble and thicken up nicely. Stir continuously to keep the sauce silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, stir your cooked gnocchi into the sauce so every piece is coated beautifully. Nestle the chicken back in and drizzle extra sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor you’re craving. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy!

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing with a handful of fresh chopped parsley for color and a subtle fresh note. A little extra grated Parmesan on top doesn’t hurt either—it adds that lovely salty punch right before serving.

Side Dishes

To balance the rich sauce, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser too, perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate individual portions in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. The brightness of lemon juice right before eating really makes everything pop. You could also transfer it all to a warm serving dish sprinkled with Parmesan and a few sun dried tomato pieces for a nice rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi soak up some of the sauce after chilling, so sometimes I add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back the silky texture.

Freezing

Freezing works okay, but I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the gnocchi if possible. Gnocchi can get a bit gummy when thawed. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and gently reheat everything together on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat this recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of milk or half and half helps to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to make the gnocchi rubbery, but if you do, stir every 30 seconds for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe turns out every time—rich, comforting, and just a little bit special. When I first made it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together for such a fantastic result. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight dinners too.

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