Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan

Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi nights are my secret weapon for days when I want something that tastes like a cozy restaurant dinner without making a big mess. Ever get home hungry and a little cranky, but your brain refuses to deal with three pots and a pile of dishes? Same. This dish slides in like a hero, creamy and comforting, with juicy chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that wake everything up. It happens in one skillet, it tastes special, and it’s still easy enough for any weeknight. Grab a spoon, because the sauce is the kind you will be tempted to eat straight from the pan.

Why you’ll love it

Picture this: golden chicken, a rich garlicky sauce, a handful of spinach melting into it, and gnocchi that soaks up every creamy drop. That is the heart of Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan. It hits all the notes we look for in a busy-night dinner. It is fast. It is balanced with veggies tucked right in. And it is a total crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

There is a gentle sweetness from the cream, a little tang from sun-dried tomatoes, and that comforting chew from gnocchi that makes every bite feel like a hug. I like that it never dries out, thanks to the sauce, and it reheats like a dream. Practical tip from my kitchen: use the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes for searing the chicken. It adds bonus flavor that tastes like you simmered all day.

Food safety note I always follow: cook chicken until it reaches 165°F inside. A simple instant-read thermometer is your best friend, and it keeps the chicken tender, not overdone.

“I made this on a school night and my teens asked for seconds. The sauce is unreal and I loved that it only used one pan.”

Also, this recipe flexes for whatever you have on hand. No cream? Use half and half. No spinach? Kale works. Want it a little smoky? A pinch of paprika brings warmth without spice overload. You do you, and this dish will still deliver.

Bottom line: fast, creamy, reliable comfort in one skillet, with very little cleanup at the end.

Main Ingredients

Keep it simple and use solid pantry and fridge staples. Here is what you will need to make Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan taste just right.

• Chicken: boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs stay extra juicy, breasts cook a touch faster. Aim for 1 to 1.5 pounds.
• Potato gnocchi: shelf-stable or refrigerated, about 16 to 18 ounces. No need to boil first. They simmer right in the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: 1 cup, sliced. Use a spoon or two of that flavorful oil for cooking.
• Garlic: 3 to 4 cloves, minced. Fresh makes all the difference.
• Chicken broth: 1 cup, low sodium if possible.
• Heavy cream: 3/4 cup for that lush texture. Half and half works, but the sauce will be a bit lighter.
• Parmesan: 1/2 cup finely grated. The salty nuttiness pulls it all together.
• Spinach: 2 to 3 cups baby spinach, loosely packed. Kale or Swiss chard also work.
• Olive oil and a little butter: for searing and richness.
• Seasoning: salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a tiny kick.

Basic method I rely on: sear chicken until nicely browned, remove it, build your sauce with garlic and tomato oil, add broth and cream, simmer the gnocchi right in the liquid, then finish with spinach and Parmesan. Slide the chicken back in and spoon that sauce over the top so it soaks back in.

Cook time notes from my stove: chicken sear is about 4 to 5 minutes per side, gnocchi simmer is 5 to 6 minutes, then a quick finish. You are looking at around 30 minutes start to finish, which is why Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan is a weekday regular here.

Tip: If the sauce ever feels too thick, splash in a little more broth. If it feels thin, simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes to tighten it up.

Variations, substitutions, and add-ins

One reason I keep this recipe on repeat is how easily it morphs around what is in my kitchen. Here are some simple ways to switch it up without losing the spirit of the dish.

Easy swaps

No heavy cream in the fridge? Use half and half and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to thicken the sauce. No sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers for a milder, sweeter twist. If you prefer chicken tenders, those work too. Just reduce the sear time by a minute or two per side.

Veggie add-ins

Stir in mushrooms with the garlic to add a savory boost. Frozen peas can join in during the last couple of minutes. A handful of basil or parsley at the end brings fresh lift. If you want more greens, use chopped kale. Add it earlier than spinach so it can soften.

Make it lighter or dairy-free

For a lighter take, use evaporated milk and go easy on the Parmesan. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still creamy and satisfying. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk gives a lush texture with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Use a plant-based Parmesan or simply finish with a squeeze of lemon and extra black pepper.

If you love a tiny heat wave, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne. If you do not, skip it and the dish stays mellow and kid friendly. And yes, this all still works in the same pan, so you keep the easy cleanup that makes Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan such a win.

Pro move: Finish with a small knob of butter for gloss and a silky feel. It looks restaurant worthy with almost no extra effort.

Storage and reheating tips

Let everything cool before packing it up. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, which is normal. If you plan to keep it longer, portion and freeze for up to 2 months. The gnocchi texture stays better than pasta after freezing, which is another reason I love this recipe.

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often and warm just until steamy. In the microwave, use short bursts and stir between each round to keep the sauce smooth. If you are reheating chicken pieces separate from the sauce, warm the sauce first, then nestle the chicken back in so it stays juicy.

When you are saving a portion for later, do not over-reduce the sauce on day one. A little extra sauciness now means perfect texture when you reheat tomorrow. You can also finish with a tiny splash of cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan when reheating to bring back that fresh-from-the-pan feel.

What to serve with creamy chicken and gnocchi

This skillet dinner can stand on its own, but a simple side turns it into a full spread. Keep it easy and let the sauce be the star.

• Garlic bread or warm baguette: for swiping up every last drop of sauce.
• Simple green salad: toss arugula or mixed greens with lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
• Roasted veggies: broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add color and crunch.
• Crisp white wine: a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
• Lemon wedges: a quick squeeze brightens the whole dish at the table.

If you are cooking for guests, set the pan in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. The steam that rises when you stir in the spinach will make your kitchen smell like pure comfort. And if you are cooking for one, lucky you, because tomorrow’s lunch is about to be fantastic.

By the way, if you ever need a dependable crowd pleaser, Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan has never failed me at family gatherings. The creamy sauce softens the gnocchi perfectly, and the Parmesan gives that savory finish everyone loves.

Common Questions

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
No. Drop the gnocchi straight into the simmering sauce. They cook in the liquid and soak up flavor at the same time.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Warm it in the sauce at the end so it does not dry out. Skip the initial sear and start with the sauce base.

What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes. Stir in extra Parmesan to help it thicken, or add a few gnocchi and cook a bit longer.

What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of broth or water and stir until it loosens. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Cook as written, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a little extra liquid and finish with fresh spinach and Parmesan to revive the flavor.

One pan, big comfort

If a warm, satisfying dinner is what you are after, this is the one that checks every box. You get rich sauce, tender chicken, and gnocchi that turns into little flavor sponges. It is easy to make, easy to customize, and easy to clean up. Deliciously Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Gnocchi in One Pan is the kind of recipe that invites you to relax, grab a bowl, and eat slowly.

Save it, share it, and make it your cozy go-to when life feels a bit too busy. I hope it becomes one of your weeknight favorites too. See you back here when your skillet needs another comforting idea.