Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting yet refreshing one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce come together for a restaurant-quality dinner made right at home in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed or sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach (or kale)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly blistered.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly to the pan. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and lightly golden.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and pesto. Mix until smooth, then return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Greens: Stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and mix until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi, garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg