How to Make Irresistible One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s quick, flavorful, and made in just one skillet, this One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi recipe is your new weeknight hero. Tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and elegant. Perfect for busy evenings or relaxed weekends, this meal delivers gourmet flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s a family-friendly favorite that feels like restaurant dining, without the stress.

This dish highlights the robust, slightly tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, paired perfectly with juicy chicken and the soft bite of gnocchi. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and more flavor as all ingredients simmer together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Complete Meal: Balanced with protein (chicken), carbs (gnocchi), and creamy sauce—no sides required.
• Big Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Customizable: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies to make it your own.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike; great for family meals or impressing guests.
• Comforting & Creamy: Every bite is warm, satisfying, and indulgently creamy.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the skillet, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. Together, they create a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal. Each item brings a distinct texture or flavor to the final dish, so nothing is wasted, and every ingredient matters.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts (2 large, boneless and skinless): The protein star of the dish. Slice them thin for even cooking.
• Gnocchi (1 pound or 16 oz package): Look for shelf-stable potato gnocchi in the pasta aisle. It cooks directly in the skillet.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped, oil-packed & drained): Brings a deep, tangy sweetness. Make sure to pat them dry.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and savory warmth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The base of the sauce, making everything velvety and rich.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup, low-sodium): Helps cook the gnocchi and balances the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For searing the chicken and sautéing garlic.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs to tie the flavors together.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Basil (Optional, for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and color at the end.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Spinach (2 cups fresh): Stir in at the end to wilt—adds nutrition and color.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): If you like a subtle kick of heat.

This list keeps it simple but full of flavor. Each ingredient serves a purpose, from building the sauce to complementing the savory gnocchi and juicy chicken.

How to Make One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the process step by step. This is a straightforward dish—no fancy techniques, just solid steps that bring out big flavor with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Slice and Season the Chicken
   • Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

1. Sear the Chicken
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
   • Remove from the skillet and set aside.

1. Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
   • Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

1. Make the Creamy Sauce
   • Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine.
   • Bring to a gentle simmer.

1. Cook the Gnocchi
   • Add the 1-pound package of gnocchi directly to the skillet.
   • Stir and let simmer for 4–5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and sauce begins to thicken.

1. Finish the Dish
   • Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Mix everything together and simmer for 2–3 more minutes until warmed through.
   • Add a handful of fresh spinach at this point, if using, and stir until wilted.

1. Serve & Garnish
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

You Must Know about One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

To ensure your One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi turns out perfectly, here are some key tips:

1. Chicken Texture

To avoid dry chicken, cook it on medium-high heat for the best golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor. If packed in oil, drain them well and chop into small pieces. For dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes before use.

3. Gnocchi Cooking

Cook gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, usually 2-3 minutes. If adding to the skillet, make sure they are cooked beforehand to prevent them from becoming mushy.

These simple tips will help ensure your dish is as delicious as possible. Now, let’s talk about perfecting the cooking process!

Perfecting the Cooking Process of One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

Achieving the perfect One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi requires attention to detail at every stage.

1. Browning the Chicken

To get that crispy, golden exterior, avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the chicken. Brown the chicken in batches to ensure it crisps up nicely, which adds flavor to the dish.

2. Simmering the Sauce

Simmer the sauce over medium heat to avoid curdling the cream. A gentle simmer helps the flavors blend well without over-reducing the sauce. Let the sun-dried tomatoes release their rich flavor into the creamy base.

3. Adding Gnocchi

When adding the gnocchi to the skillet, make sure there’s enough space for them to absorb the sauce evenly. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi without overcrowding them.

These techniques will help you achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish every time. Next, let’s explore how you can add your personal touch to this recipe!

Add Your Touch for One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

While the One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi is delicious as is, it’s always fun to personalize a dish to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

1. Spice It Up

If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or seasoning the chicken with your favorite spicy seasoning. This will bring an extra layer of flavor and make the dish a little more exciting.

2. Veggie Additions

For a more vibrant, veggie-packed dish, try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These vegetables pair well with the creamy sauce and add color and texture, making the dish even more nutritious.

3. Swap the Protein

If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

These simple tweaks will help you customize the dish to suit your preferences while maintaining its delicious base. Next, let’s go over storing and reheating this dish for later enjoyment.

Storing & Reheating for One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

This One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers. Here’s how you can store and reheat it for future meals:

1. Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to store the sauce and gnocchi separately to prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much sauce.

2. Reheating

To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.

Storing and reheating this dish is easy and ensures you can enjoy it again. Let’s now go over some helpful tips from the chef for even better results!

Chef’s Helpful Tips for One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

To make your One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi even better, here are some expert tips from the chef:

1. Don’t Rush the Browning Process

Patience is key when browning the chicken. Allow each piece to sear without moving it around too much. This will create a delicious, crispy crust that adds depth to the dish. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

2. Adjust the Creaminess

If you prefer a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter version, reduce the cream or swap it out for a non-dairy option like coconut milk or almond cream.

3. Fresh Herbs for the Win

To elevate the flavor, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme. Fresh herbs brighten up the flavors and add a fragrant aroma to the dish.

These tips will help you take your dish from good to great. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this recipe.

FAQ about One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi can be used instead of fresh. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the skillet.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and separate the gnocchi from the sauce to avoid the gnocchi becoming too mushy when reheated.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Now that we’ve covered your questions, it’s time for the conclusion!

Conclusion

The One Skillet Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken & Gnocchi is a deliciously comforting dish that combines savory chicken, creamy sauce, and tender gnocchi in a way that will impress your family or guests every time. With just a few simple tips and adjustments, you can personalize it to suit your tastes, ensuring that it becomes a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal or preparing leftovers for lunch the next day, this dish is versatile and easy to reheat. By following the step-by-step instructions and applying the chef’s tips, you’ll create a dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. So grab your skillet and start cooking—this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Happy cooking!