If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts impressive and comforting, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. This dish is a celebration of pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a dreamy, basil-packed pesto cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s pure weeknight magic that instantly brightens your table, but secretly, it couldn’t be easier to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe? Every single ingredient truly shines, bringing its own special note to the melody of flavors. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and so fresh—proof that simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh touches are all you need for a showstopping meal.
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flair—these dumplings are the heart and soul of this dish!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This forms the caramelized base for your chicken and doubly helps the sauce glisten.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 pound, diced): Use either for juicy, protein-packed bites in every forkful.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the pesto’s vibrancy.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The aromatic hero that infuses the sauce with irresistible flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): This is the key to that luxurious sauce—silky, luscious, and so satisfying.
- Basil pesto (1/3 cup): Store-bought or homemade, this adds the signature herby pop you’ll crave.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup): Brings nutty, salty richness—don’t skip it!
- Baby spinach (1 cup, optional): Adds color, nutrition, and a touch of freshness (plus, it melts right in).
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (for garnish): A flourish of green and flavor to finish it all off beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi and cook just until they begin to float, which only takes about 2–3 minutes. That’s how you know they’re light and tender—don’t overcook! Scoop them out, drain well, and set aside while you prepare the other goodies.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper right away. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden and cooked through. This step builds those irresistible pan flavors!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Once the chicken is perfect, add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about one minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, pesto, and grated Parmesan. Give everything a good stir as the sauce melds together and thickens ever-so-slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat every dumpling with that dreamy sauce. If you’re adding baby spinach, stir it in here so it wilts down beautifully, turning emerald green and adding a fresh twist.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Spoon the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe into bowls and finish with fresh basil or a generous flurry of extra Parmesan. The result is a dish that looks as good as it tastes, ready to turn any meal into an occasion!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A few smart garnishes can effortlessly elevate your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe from cozy to company-ready! I love scattering lots of torn fresh basil for a fragrant green pop, along with a shower of grated Parmesan for even more decadence. If you’re feeling a little extra, try toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil too!
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfyingly rich, so light, fresh sides are perfect. A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess. For a heartier pairing, serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even a simple tomato salad—you’ll have the ultimate Italian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe in rustic pasta bowls or on a platter sprinkled with colorful microgreens. For a fun twist, portion into small ramekins for individual servings, or top with extra Parmesan and broil for a minute to create a bubbling, golden crust. However you present it, this dish never fails to wow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe keeps surprisingly well! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch something to really look forward to.
Freezing
While creamy sauces can change texture in the freezer, this recipe can be frozen if needed. Ensure it’s completely cooled, spoon into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating preserves the gnocchi’s tender texture best. Don’t forget to top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving again!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Shred or chop up rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce in Step 3. It saves time and still delivers that signature comfort, making your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe even speedier.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
Definitely! Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or even whole milk with a bit of flour whisked in. You’ll sacrifice a touch of richness, but the result is still creamy and delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for extra veggies! Try sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers for wonderful bursts of color and flavor.
What kind of pesto is best?
Classic basil pesto adds the herby punch this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is known for, but experimenting with other pestos—like spinach, arugula, or even sundried tomato—can keep things interesting and tailor the dish to your preferences.
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi?
Of course! There are lots of great gluten-free gnocchi options available, and they work beautifully here with no other changes needed to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a truly memorable dinner with minimal effort, the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is the answer. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with every creamy, vibrant, flavor-packed bite—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star at your table!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this velvety Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi dish that combines pillowy potato gnocchi with tender chicken in a rich basil pesto cream sauce.
Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, season, and cook until golden. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat, add cream, pesto, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened. Toss in cooked gnocchi and spinach.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or Parmesan and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Rotisserie chicken can be substituted for a quicker meal.
- Enhance the dish with sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
