Say hello to the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe that’s about to become the weeknight hero you never knew you needed! Imagine tender potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, vibrant basil pesto, sweet spinach, and a heavenly blanket of cream all coming together in a single skillet. This Italian-inspired dinner checks every box: it’s rich, comforting, packed with flavor, and comes together in a flash. Whether you’re looking to spoil your family or treat yourself after a long day, this dish delivers both comfort and elegance in just 30 minutes. You’ll want to bookmark this as your new go-to for irresistible creamy gnocchi!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from bringing lush creaminess to peppery brightness. For the best Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe, don’t skimp on freshness and quality—the better your ingredients, the bolder the dish!
- Potato gnocchi (1 pound): Pillowy, tender, and quick-cooking; use fresh, store-bought, or homemade for the best texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken, adding a subtle richness and golden color.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 pound, cut bite-sized): Juicy, lean protein that soaks up all the creamy and herby flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Aromatic and savory, it infuses the dish with classic Italian flair.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to ultra-luxurious, velvety sauce—swap with half-and-half for a lighter option if you wish.
- Basil pesto (1/3 cup): Bursts with fresh, garlicky, herby notes; opt for good-quality store-bought or homemade.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings salty, nutty depth to both the sauce and your final garnish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing every ingredient.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of gentle heat and balances the creamy sauce.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Fresh, delicate greens that add color, nutrition, and a peppery finish as they wilt into the sauce.
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (for garnish, optional): Adds a beautiful pop of color and extra flavor when serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Gnocchi
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, drop in your gnocchi and watch them rise to the top when ready—this usually takes just a few minutes. Spoon them out with a slotted spoon and set aside; their pillowy texture is the perfect base for all the creamy, herby goodness to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the gnocchi cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally so every bit gets deliciously caramelized.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken, and stir for about a minute. You’ll instantly smell that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that lets you know something amazing is about to happen.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, basil pesto, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to combine. Let this dreamy mixture simmer for two to three minutes, thickening into an irresistibly creamy sauce that will coat every gnocchi dunked in it.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the drained gnocchi and baby spinach right into the skillet. Gently toss until the spinach is wilted and glossy, each gnocchi is gloriously coated in sauce, and the chicken is tucked in cozy and flavorful. Remove from heat—your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is ready for a grand entrance at the table!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter fresh basil leaves or a snowy dusting of extra Parmesan over each bowl just before serving. Not only does it make the dish look irresistible, but it also amps up those bright and nutty notes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
This rich and satisfying gnocchi absolutely shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread or warm garlic knots are perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce—because trust me, you’ll want to mop up every last bit!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic Italian trattoria vibe, or spoon it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter. For a family-style approach, pile everything into a big platter, garnish generously, and let everyone dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, simply transfer the cooled gnocchi into airtight containers. Refrigerated, it will keep beautifully for up to three days, making for super tasty next-day lunches.
Freezing
For a longer-term option, portion the gnocchi into freezer-safe containers (skip the fresh basil garnish until serving). Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this keeps the creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works too, but do it in short bursts and stir between each round for even heating without drying the gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi work perfectly in the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe, especially on busy nights. Fresh or homemade will give a softer bite, but packaged gnocchi are a fantastic, convenient choice.
What kind of pesto is best for this recipe?
Classic basil pesto is a favorite for its fragrant, garlicky punch, but you can swap in sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a fun twist. Go with a high-quality jarred version or your own homemade blend for maximum flavor.
Can I substitute the chicken?
If you prefer, swap the chicken for cooked shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or even crumbled Italian sausage. The Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is very adaptable to your tastes and pantry.
How can I lighten up the dish?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or leave out the chicken for an all-veggie meal. Adding extra spinach or a sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes adds both freshness and color.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and double up on the baby spinach, or add grilled vegetables and mushrooms. The creamy pesto sauce still makes the gnocchi utterly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe a try, whether you’re after a comforting dinner or a dish impressive enough to share with friends. It’s cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to win hearts (and appetites!) every single time. Happy cooking!
