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Weeknight • Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi and tender chicken bathed in a vibrant, rich pesto cream sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

Imagine a dish that feels like a warm hug but comes together in a flash – that's our Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi! With pillowy potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a vibrant pesto cream sauce, this recipe is pure comfort and perfect for those nights when you need something delicious and quick.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Add the gnocchi and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Tips

  • Don't skip searing the chicken; it adds a delicious depth of flavor.
  • If you like extra veggies, stir in a handful of baby spinach or cherry tomatoes with the cream and pesto.
  • For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.

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