Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb potato gnocchi; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup baby spinach; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

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If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s just as easy as it is luxurious, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. Imagine pillowy-soft gnocchi coated in a velvety basil pesto sauce, juicy bites of chicken, and vibrant baby spinach, all coming together in a single skillet. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels like a cozy Italian bistro, ready in under 30 minutes right in your own kitchen. With every forkful, you’ll taste layers of flavor and appreciate just how crowd-pleasing and versatile this dish can be.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while letting every key ingredient shine. Each item not only builds rich taste and texture but also brings color and character to your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love every bit of it:

Potato gnocchi (1 lb): These little dumplings are soft, satisfying, and soak up creamy sauces like a dream.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A must for browning chicken and building flavorful fond in the skillet.
Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 lb, bite-sized pieces): Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and makes this a hearty one-pan meal.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Aromatic and essential for a robust, savory base.
Basil pesto (1/2 cup): Delivers herby, nutty richness—use homemade or a high-quality store-bought version.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty-sweet depth and melts beautifully into the sauce.
Baby spinach (1 cup): Wilts into the dish, lending both vibrant color and nutrients.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Fresh basil and extra Parmesan (for garnish): Finishing touches that make your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe truly special and visually stunning.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop in the potato gnocchi and cook them according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain gently and set aside, ready for their turn in the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

While the gnocchi are cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Give them space so they sear rather than steam! Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden-brown on all sides and cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat slightly, then add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté for a minute—just enough for that unmistakable garlicky aroma to bloom and infuse the chicken, but not so long that it browns.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic. Pour in the basil pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, clinging beautifully to both the chicken and the gnocchi that’s about to join in.

Step 5: Combine, Wilt, and Finish

Gently add the cooked gnocchi and the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Fold everything together, making sure the gnocchi are evenly coated in that dreamy sauce while the spinach wilts warmly into the mix. After 2 or 3 minutes, season with salt and black pepper to taste—and don’t skimp on those bold, bright flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a shower of fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. These simple garnishes not only add striking color, but also boost the flavors and aromas, making the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe utterly irresistible from first glance to last bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully rich and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies on the side. Light and crunchy greens will offset the creamy texture, while toasty bread is perfect for sopping up the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe family-style in a large platter sprinkled with lots of herbs, or plate individual portions with a decorative basil leaf and a Parmesan crisp. You can even spoon it into ramekins for cozy dinner-party starters—this dish dresses up or down beautifully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. The Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors just deepen deliciously overnight.

Freezing

While gnocchi dishes with cream sauce are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this recipe if needed. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month—just note that the sauce may separate a bit when reheated, but a gentle stir will bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered and on medium power, pausing occasionally to stir everything for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will give you even more pillowy texture and a subtle homemade flavor that turns the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe into a truly special treat. Just follow the same cooking instructions as for packaged gnocchi.

What kind of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto creates the herby, creamy base we love, but you can get creative with sun-dried tomato pesto or even arugula pesto for a peppery kick. Use what you love or have on hand—both store-bought and homemade work perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Toss in some toasted pine nuts for another layer of flavor and a bit of crunch.

Is this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe gluten-free?

It certainly can be! Just be sure to buy gluten-free gnocchi and check that your pesto doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. With those swaps, this dish is wonderfully adaptable for gluten-free diets.

What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

If you’re not in the mood for chicken, try using cooked shrimp, cooked turkey, or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Even cubes of browned tofu or plant-based chicken make great swaps for a flexitarian version of the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or just want a fabulous dinner without the fuss, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is the answer. After just one bite, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in so many kitchens. Don’t wait—give it a try and make your next meal something to savor and share!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken Pesto Gnocchi recipe that combines tender potato gnocchi, succulent chicken, and flavorful pesto in a rich cream sauce. With a hint of garlic and Parmesan, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Gnocchi:

1 lb potato gnocchi

Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken pieces in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add gnocchi and spinach to the skillet. Cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with basil and Parmesan.