As the sun sets and the kitchen begins to glow, there’s a certain comfort in the aroma of creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi wafting through the air. I discovered this delightful dish after a long week where takeout felt like a recurring theme, and I knew I needed a change. The beauty of this one-pan meal lies in its quick assembly and the ability to bring vibrant flavors right to your table in just 40 minutes.
Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi dancing in a velvety basil pesto sauce, paired with succulent chicken and the tenderness of roasted cherry tomatoes. Each bite carries a taste of Italy, yet it’s simplicity makes it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat for family and friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less!
Why will you love Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to countless dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, ensuring minimal cleanup.
Creamy Comfort: The rich, velvety pesto sauce envelops every bite, creating a comforting dining experience reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or swap chicken for rotisserie options to fit your schedule.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe impresses friends and family with its flavorful presentation and satisfying texture. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli for another delightful one-pan meal!
Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Ingredients
For the Gnocchi and Chicken
• Gnocchi – Use shelf-stable or refrigerated versions for the best texture; avoid frozen to prevent mushiness.
• Chicken Breast – Provides protein and savory flavor; substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Olive Oil – Essential for searing chicken and enhancing overall flavor in the dish.
• Flour – Dredge the chicken in flour to create a crispy crust when searing.
For the Sauce
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Provide bursts of sweetness; feel free to substitute with other seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce, helping it come together beautifully.
• Heavy Cream – Contributes to the creaminess; replace with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Basil Pesto – The star of this creamy pesto chicken gnocchi dish; use homemade or a quality store-bought variety for the best flavor.
• Garlic – Enhances the overall taste; if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
For Garnishing
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle for a savory finish; use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Fresh Basil – Adds a touch of freshness and completes the dish beautifully.
This delightful ingredient list ensures your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi will be a hit at dinner!
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This important step ensures that your chicken bakes evenly for a perfect finish.
- Prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, blend together basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Slice the chicken breast horizontally and lightly pound it to ensure even thickness. Dredge each piece in a mixture of flour, salt, garlic powder, and a hint of pepper for a crispy crust.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. Then, set the chicken aside to rest.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add the remaining olive oil, diced onion, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes blister and the onions soften.
- Combine everything by stirring in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add half of the prepared pesto, making sure it’s thoroughly mixed into the sauce.
- Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. Gently stir occasionally so the gnocchi gets coated with the creamy sauce while it cooks.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat.
- Slice the chicken into thinner pieces, return them to the pan, and garnish everything with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Optional: Sprinkle some extra pine nuts on top for added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi?
Looking to elevate your dinner experience? With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish deserves the perfect companions.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side offers a crunchy, buttery contrast that beautifully complements the creamy gnocchi, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
- Light Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the dish and enhancing flavors with its crispness.
- Sautéed Spinach: Wilted spinach with garlic adds a nutritious green element, providing a burst of freshness that pairs harmoniously with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers bring a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the savory profile of the chicken and gnocchi.
- Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine makes for an elegant beverage choice, its bubbles and acidity cutting through the creaminess and enhancing the dining experience.
- Pine Nut Biscotti: For dessert, these crunchy, nutty cookies provide a delightful end to your meal, echoing the flavors of the pesto while offering a sweet contrast to the savory dinner.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the dish covered to maintain moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Consider portioning it out for easy meals later.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delicious dish to suit your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a rich, creamy flavor.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor; just sauté them with the onions.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative when dredging the chicken. You can also use gluten-free gnocchi for a complete gluten-free meal.
- Herb-Infused: Elevate your dish with fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano in place of or alongside basil for a new flavor twist.
- Extra Protein: For an even heartier dish, toss in some cooked white beans or chickpeas along with the gnocchi to boost the protein content.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a delightful burst of heat that will awaken your taste buds.
- Lemon Zest: For an added tang, incorporate freshly grated lemon zest into the sauce just before serving, to brighten up the flavors beautifully.
- Pesto Varieties: Change up the flavor by swapping traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for an exciting twist that brings new character to the dish.
Expert Tips for Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi
- Perfect Skillet: Don’t wipe the skillet after searing the chicken; the tasty browned bits add depth to your sauce.
- Avoid Frozen: For best texture, always use shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi; frozen versions may become mushy.
- Load Up on Veggies: Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a nutritious boost that complements the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s richness.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to switch out the chicken for rotisserie options, but ensure good seasoning to maintain flavor.
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of gnocchi should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for the best texture. Avoid frozen gnocchi, as it can become mushy during cooking, which diminishes the overall quality of your dish.
How do I store leftovers?
For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently!
Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! To freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. For optimal quality, consume within 3 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat with a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
What if my sauce is too thick when reheating?
No problem! If your sauce thickens too much during reheating, simply stir in a splash of cream or chicken broth while warming it on the stovetop. This will restore the creamy consistency and flavor of your lush pesto sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can transform this dish into a dairy-free option by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. These swaps will still give you a rich, creamy flavor without the dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that your chicken is safely cooked and juicy, adding to the deliciousness of your creamy pesto gnocchi.
Irresistibly Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Ready in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- large oven-safe skillet
- food processor
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi and Chicken
- 1 package Shelf-stable or refrigerated Gnocchi Avoid frozen to prevent mushiness.
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast Substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for searing chicken.
- 1/4 cup Flour Used for dredging chicken.
For the Sauce
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Provides bursts of sweetness.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds moisture to the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream For creaminess; can substitute with coconut cream.
- 1/2 cup Basil Pesto Use homemade or store-bought.
- 2 cloves Garlic Enhances overall taste.
For Garnishing
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For a savory finish; use nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
- 1 bunch Fresh Basil Adds freshness.
Instructions
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the basil pesto by blending basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Slice the chicken breast horizontally and lightly pound it; dredge in flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and adding onion and cherry tomatoes; cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and half of the pesto; mix thoroughly.
- Add gnocchi directly into the skillet and stir occasionally.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Slice chicken, return them to the pan, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Notes
