Tuscan Chicken Casserole with Gnocchi

This Tuscan chicken casserole with gnocchi is the perfect recipe for a cozy night when you are craving a simple comfort food meal. The gnocchi is so tender and the chicken is cooked to perfection in a creamy sauce. It’s an easy recipe to follow and it’s sure to become a new favorite.

You’ll want to make this casserole again and again. It’s the perfect comfort food and it’s so delicious. The whole family will love it. If you want gnocchi but need to avoid the meat, you can check out this tasty cheesy gnocchi casserole instead. Another delicious dish with pillowy soft gnocchi!

black spoon in the side of white baking dish of chicken casserole

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 small white onion
3 cloves garlic
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (2g)
1 pound fresh gnocchi (500g)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained (27g)
⅔ cup chicken broth (160ml)
1 cup heavy cream (250ml)
5 ounces of frozen spinach (142g)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (45g)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)

If you have time and want to try, make homemade gnocchi for this dish.

white ramekins filled with ingredients for Tuscan chicken casserole with gnocchi

Useful Kitchen Tools

red pepper flakes on top of casserole in white oval baking dish sitting on cutting board

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Casserole

Prep the baking dish with non-stick spray. Since you will be broiling this casserole, you don't have to preheat the oven.

To prepare the sauce, in a large skillet, you will add the olive oil over medium heat. To this, add the chopped onions and cook them for 5 minutes, making sure to stir them regularly to brown them evenly.

onions in black skillet with bowls of ingredients on table by hot plate

Now, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

raw chicken and onions in skillet on hot plate

Then, sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. I used about ½ teaspoon each in this recipe.

Now, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes (if larger pieces, chop them first), and then the spinach you have thawed and patted dry. Stir this together and make sure everything is broken up and incorporated nicely.

chicken in skillet with sun dried tomatoes on top of hot plate

Now, add in the heavy cream and chicken broth then stir to combine. You will bring this mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, watching to make sure you don't burn or scald the cream. Once it begins boiling, add in the fresh gnocchi and cook for half the time recommended on the package. This is typically about 3 or 4 minutes.

gnocchi being added to skillet of cream and spinach sauce

Now, the sauce and mixture should be thickened nicely. Pour it into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle the top with parmesan.

hands holding oval white baking dish of tuscan chicken casserole with gnocchi above wood cutting board

Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until it is golden brown. The gnocchi should be cooked through and tender at this point.

Serve with additional parmesan or fresh cracked black pepper on top.

oval white casserole dish of tuscan chicken with gnocchi on cutting board with wooden spoon in background

Chef's Tip

If using frozen gnocchi, you may prefer to par-cook it separately so it does not water down the sauce in case there is extra moisture in the packaging.

Like tips like this? Then check out my latest cookbook, The Complete Cookbook for Beginners. This book is filled with essential skills and step-by-step techniques that are ideal for new home cooks.

oval white casserole dish of tuscan chicken casserole with black spoon in side on wood table

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes This Tuscan Flavored?

When it comes to Tuscan flavor, there is a specific style and ingredients that go into it. The cuisine is typically heavy on garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. You’ll find those same flavors in this dish.

The flavors in this dish come from a few things. First, we use tomatoes and spinach, which add a lovely depth of flavor. Then, we add garlic, onion, and herbs to the chicken as it cooks. This infuses the chicken with Tuscan flavors. Finally, we use a bit of cream to make the sauce extra rich and flavorful.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

You can easily swap chicken breast for chicken thighs. The cooking time is slightly different so make sure that the chicken is cooked through to at least 140°F internally before moving to the next step. It will continue cooking as the sauce cooks and it is broiled. The goal is 165°F internally for safety.

Adding chicken thighs can make this dish even more flavorful. In addition, chicken thighs can be a more inexpensive choice.

Do I Have to Cook The Gnocchi Before Baking?

The great thing about this Tuscan Chicken Casserole with Gnocchi is that you don’t have to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the sauce. It will cook with the sauce, and then in the oven when broiled it finishes cooking.

This saves you time and energy. Simply add the uncooked gnocchi to the sauce and continue preparing according to the recipe instructions. The gnocchi will cook as the sauce simmers and then the casserole bakes.

Can I Use A Different Pasta Than Gnocchi?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta in this recipe. You can use any type of traditional pasta you like. I love noodles that can hold the sauce well. Things like penne, elbows, and shells work well. If you want to go with a filled pasta, you can use ravioli or tortellini for added cheesy flavor.

If using dry pasta, make sure it is almost al dente before putting it in the oven to broil as it won't have as long to cook as it may need otherwise.

How Long Does Tuscan Chicken Casserole Last?

This casserole can last in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy it later in the week. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.

You can also freeze this casserole for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave before serving.

white baking dish of tuscan chicken casserole on cutting board

More Chicken Casseroles

Chicken is the star of the show in this casserole and many others. If you need more meal plan inspiration, then look no further. Below are a few family favorites that are packed with flavor and sure to please a crowd. Make sure that you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 4

Tuscan Chicken Casserole with Gnocchi

This delicious Tuscan chicken casserole with gnocchi has lightly seasoned chicken with a rich and creamy sauce and tons of flavor from tomatoes and spinach in every bite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 small white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½"-1" pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (2g)
1 pound fresh gnocchi (500g)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained (27g)
⅔ cup chicken broth (160ml)
1 cup heavy cream (250ml)
5 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and patted dry (142g)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (45g)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes, or until softened and beginning to brown.
Now, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute.
Then season the chicken with the Italian seasoning blend and salt and pepper to taste.
Then, add in the tomatoes and spinach and stir to combine.
Now, add the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then add the gnocchi. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or about half the suggested time for the gnocchi.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with the parmesan. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the top is golden brown.