Tuscan Chicken, Gnocchi, Spinach, Artichokes, Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe

Rustic Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi Recipe with Garden Veggies

Creamy, comforting tuscan chicken with gnocchi dances with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

Tender chicken nestled among pillowy gnocchi creates a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Spinach and artichokes weave their verdant magic through this decadent dish.

Sun-dried tomatoes burst with tangy sweetness, adding depth to every delightful bite.

Delicate herbs and rich cream sauce envelop each ingredient in pure culinary bliss.

This one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly, promising restaurant-quality dinner in your own kitchen.

Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Spinach – Why You’ll Love It

Dive into Flavor Fusion: Reasons to Love This Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

  • Craft a Gourmet Meal Easily: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
  • Packed with Nutritious Ingredients: Combine protein-rich chicken, vitamin-loaded spinach, and hearty artichokes for a balanced, wholesome meal that nourishes your body.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to cook chicken, gnocchi, and create a creamy, flavorful sauce that brings all ingredients together beautifully.
  • Customize with Creativity: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful protein that serves as the centerpiece of this Tuscan-inspired dish.
Starches:
  • Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian dumplings that absorb the creamy sauce and provide a hearty base for the meal.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Spinach, Artichoke Hearts: Fresh green vegetables that add nutrition, color, and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes, Garlic: Intense flavor boosters that contribute a rich, tangy, and aromatic element to the sauce.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that create a complex and well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the overall dish.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich, creamy base that binds all the ingredients together.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Thyme: A delicate herb that provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

Make Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Grab chicken thighs and generously coat them with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Let the spices dance across the meat, creating a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat a sturdy skillet over medium temperature.

Pour olive oil and carefully place chicken thighs.

Allow them to sizzle undisturbed for 5 minutes, developing a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Complete Chicken Cooking

Flip chicken thighs, reduce heat slightly.

Cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove perfectly cooked chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Build The Sauce Base

In the same skillet, toss in:
  • Potato gnocchi
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Stir ingredients quickly to coat and release aromatics.

Step 5: Create Creamy Liquid

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika

Bring mixture to gentle boil while stirring consistently.

Step 6: Cook Gnocchi

Cover skillet and let gnocchi simmer for approximately 5 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Add Greens And Vegetables

Introduce:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Chopped artichokes

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Return chicken to skillet, warming gently.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh thyme on top for a vibrant finish.

Pro Advice For Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

  • Allow chicken to cook undisturbed in the pan to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, which locks in delicious flavor and creates a crispy exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
  • Cook gnocchi directly in the creamy sauce to absorb maximum flavor and achieve a tender, pillowy consistency without extra dishes.
  • Add spinach and artichokes near the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color, fresh taste, and prevent wilting or becoming mushy.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh thyme just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

Creative Takes On Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi

  • Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace traditional potato gnocchi with gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or white fish fillets, maintaining the original seasonings and cooking technique for a coastal-inspired meal.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap dairy-based chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a luscious, dairy-free sauce that's equally indulgent.

Serve Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi With Style

How to Roast Greek Potatoes for Perfect Texture
  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this Tuscan chicken gnocchi directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting family-style dinner that brings everyone together.
  • Elegant Date Night Plate: Beautifully arrange chicken on top of the creamy gnocchi mixture, garnish with fresh thyme and red pepper flakes for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the flavors and enhance the meal's sophistication.
  • Fresh Side Salad Companion: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side to cut through the richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy chicken and gnocchi.

Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi – Storage Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and gnocchi remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container for tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Tuscan chicken dish its signature flavor?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic, and heavy cream creates the rich, tangy Tuscan-style taste that makes this dish special.

  • Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single skillet, making it convenient for cooking and cleanup with minimal dishes to wash afterward.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

While gnocchi works best for this recipe, you could substitute with small pasta like penne or shells if needed, though the texture and cooking time might slightly vary.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Print
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Tuscan Chicken, Gnocchi, Spinach, Artichokes, Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe

Tuscan Chicken, Gnocchi, Spinach, Artichokes, Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Tuscan chicken dances with pillowy gnocchi, embracing a Mediterranean melody of spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Rich flavors weave together, inviting you to savor each creamy, herb-infused bite of this Italian-inspired comfort classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 lbs (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 6 cloves garlic minced

Dry Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 oz (454 grams) potato gnocchi
  • 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach
  • 7 oz (198 grams) canned artichoke hearts chopped
  • 4 oz (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil but drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken thighs with robust Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper for maximum flavor penetration.
  2. Preheat a sturdy skillet over medium heat for precise temperature control.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and gently place seasoned chicken thighs, allowing uninterrupted searing for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  4. Reduce heat to low-medium, flip chicken, and continue cooking approximately 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken from skillet, reserving flavorful pan remnants.
  6. Introduce uncooked gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic into the same skillet, quickly coating ingredients for maximum flavor absorption.
  7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream, incorporating Italian seasoning and paprika to create a rich, velvety sauce.
  8. Elevate heat to medium, bringing liquid to a gentle boil while stirring consistently, then cover and simmer gnocchi for 5 minutes.
  9. Fold fresh spinach and artichokes into the simmering mixture, cooking 5 minutes until spinach wilts and vegetables become tender.
  10. Reintegrate seared chicken into the skillet, warming gently and finishing with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped thyme for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.

Notes

  • Sear chicken confidently by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding oil and meat for a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Choose high-quality chicken thighs with even thickness to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Consider using pre-cooked gnocchi for faster preparation if time is limited, reducing overall cooking duration.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 536 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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