Save to Pinterest Tender pan-crisped gnocchi tossed in a rich pesto cream sauce with juicy chicken bites—an irresistible weeknight comfort dish bursting with Italian flavors. This elegant yet simple meal brings together satisfying textures and classic Mediterranean ingredients for a dinner that is ready in just 35 minutes.
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Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken is sure to impress. The golden-brown edges of the gnocchi provide a delightful contrast to the juicy chicken and the aromatic, garlic-infused cream sauce.
Ingredients
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- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Gnocchi: 500 g (18 oz) store-bought potato gnocchi
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves; extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Cook Chicken
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Gnocchi
- In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the gnocchi. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and crisp on the outside.
- Step 3: Aromatics and Cream
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Stir in the pesto and Parmesan; mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large skillet to provide enough surface area for the gnocchi to brown properly. A wooden spoon or spatula is ideal for stirring the ingredients and deglazing the pan to incorporate all the savory bits into the sauce. Measuring cups and spoons will help you maintain the perfect ratio of pesto to cream.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms. Please be aware that this recipe contains milk, wheat, and may contain tree nuts if your pesto includes pine nuts; always check labels for allergens.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad. Garnish with plenty of fresh basil and extra Parmesan at the table for a final touch of flavor.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken as a satisfying end to your day. With 570 calories and 32 grams of protein per serving, it is a hearty and balanced comfort dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh gnocchi works beautifully and may cook slightly faster. Reduce pan-crisping time to 3-4 minutes since fresh gnocchi is more delicate. The tender texture will complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
Keep heat at medium to medium-low when adding cream and pesto. Stir gently and continuously to maintain a smooth emulsion. If the sauce appears grainy, whisk in a splash of pasta water to help redistribute the fats and create a silky consistency.
- → What's the best way to pan-crisp gnocchi?
Use medium-high heat with enough butter to coat the pan. Arrange gnocchi in a single layer and resist stirring for the first 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Occasional tossing ensures even browning on all sides.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Cook the chicken and gnocchi separately, then combine just before serving. The cream sauce is best made fresh, though you can prepare the pesto in advance. Reheat gently over low heat, adding splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp white wines complement the herbaceous pesto and creamy sauce beautifully. Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc both work wonderfully, cutting through richness while enhancing the basil flavors and light garlic notes.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms instead. Use cremini, button, or portobello varieties, sliced and cooked until golden. This maintains the dish's hearty, satisfying character while creating a completely vegetarian main.
