Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi is exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy chicken tenders swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce studded with sweet sun dried tomatoes, all tossed with pillowy gnocchi that soak up every bit of flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a dazzling weeknight dinner that combines comfort and elegance with ease. Whether you’re new to gnocchi or a seasoned fan, this dish will win over your taste buds and quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in building those rich, comforting flavors and perfect textures.

• 1 pound gnocchi uncooked: Soft potato dumplings that melt nicely in the creamy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun dried tomatoes: Adds a deep, tangy flavor and a hint of richness.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For that silky, golden base and to bring everything together.
• 1 pound chicken tenders: Juicy, tender protein that cooks quickly and stays moist.
• ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other tastes.
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds a fragrant aroma and savory depth.
• 7 ounces sun dried tomatoes drained and chopped: Sweet and tangy bursts of flavor packed with umami.
• 1½ cups milk (3.25% fat recommended): Creates a creamy, smooth sauce base.
• ½ cup half and half: Gives the sauce an irresistible richness without being too heavy.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp and nutty bite that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A little magic that thickens the sauce just right.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for a silky finish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Start by cooking the gnocchi according to the package instructions, which usually means boiling them until they float to the top—a simple sign they’re perfectly cooked. Drain and set them aside so they’re ready to absorb all that fabulous sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat butter and the reserved oil from the sun dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This quick sear locks in the juices, giving you tender chicken every time. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Add a bit more sun dried tomato oil to your skillet if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Let them sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes have softened. This step infuses the whole dish with those signature rich and tangy sun dried tomato flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the milk, half and half, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Meanwhile, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth slurry, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Keep stirring as the sauce bubbles and thickens to a luscious consistency that perfectly coats every bite.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked gnocchi and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to marry all the flavors. Drizzle additional sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, and serve warm for comfort in every forkful.

How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice here, but you can also add grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. A few shreds of basil work beautifully too, adding a fresh, herbal contrast to the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli can add a refreshing crunch and lighten the overall meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to waste a single drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce with gnocchi stealing the spotlight. For a dinner party, garnish plates with a drizzle of olive oil and a handful of toasted pine nuts to add texture and an extra layer of flavor. Presentation can be as simple or fancy as you want, but the taste will impress no matter what!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi in an airtight shallow container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing it to preserve the sauce’s luscious texture and fresh flavors.

Freezing

For freezing, it’s best to prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time but hold off on adding the gnocchi. Freeze the sauce and chicken portion in a shallow airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then add freshly cooked gnocchi for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up while maintaining that creamy consistency. Microwaving is fine too; just heat it in short bursts to avoid overheating and drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?

While you can, sun dried tomatoes provide a concentrated flavor and chewy texture that fresh or canned tomatoes don’t quite match. If using fresh tomatoes, try roasting them first to develop sweetness and depth.

Is gnocchi difficult to cook?

Not at all! Gnocchi cooks incredibly quickly—usually just until they float to the surface when boiled. This makes them a great choice for quick meals like this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi.

Can I substitute the chicken tenders with another protein?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. You could even swap for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding mushrooms or spinach for a twist.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, a plant-based butter substitute, and vegan Parmesan to recreate the creamy sauce without dairy. Texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Its quick cooking time and ease of storage make it perfect for meal prepping. Just add the gnocchi fresh when reheating to keep them soft and pillowy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Gnocchi brings so much heart and soul to the dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, ready in a flash for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself to this wonderful celebration of simple ingredients done exceptionally well!