Go Back
- 1 pound gnocchi - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup fresh basil pesto - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Gather all these ingredients to create a rich and easy dinner. You'll start with gnocchi, which are soft potato dumplings that cook quickly. Next, you need chicken, which adds protein and flavor. The basil pesto brings a fresh taste, while heavy cream makes the dish creamy and rich. For extra color and nutrition, add cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Olive oil helps cook the chicken, while garlic powder adds a nice kick. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. To finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. These ingredients make your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi not only tasty but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the gnocchi, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add the gnocchi. They usually take about 2 to 3 minutes to cook. You’ll know they are ready when they float to the top. Drain them well and set aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken. Dice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Now, it’s time to create that creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 1 cup of basil pesto. Mix well to combine everything. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps thicken it slightly and blend the flavors. Next, add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. The tomatoes will soften a bit, adding sweetness. Now, let’s bring it all together. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss them in the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure everything is well-coated. Heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. This warms the gnocchi and melds the flavors. For a beautiful presentation, plate the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! Gnocchi Cooking Tips To make gnocchi perfect, cook them just right. Boil salted water, then add the gnocchi. They float when done, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain them quickly to avoid sogginess. Chicken Cooking Tips For juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for great flavor. Additional Seasonings You can make this dish shine with extra seasonings. Try adding red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh lemon zest can brighten the flavor too. A pinch of Italian herbs enhances the dish nicely. Pesto Variations While basil pesto is classic, you can experiment. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich taste. Spinach or arugula pesto adds a fresh twist. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Garnishing Techniques Garnish your dish to impress. Fresh basil leaves add color and aroma. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese gives a nice finish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes artfully for a pop of color. Serving Suggestions Serve creamy pesto chicken gnocchi in shallow bowls. This way, everyone can enjoy the sauce. Pair with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider a glass of white wine for a delightful experience. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh basil for the pesto and spinach for the best flavor and texture. Cook Gnocchi Perfectly: Make sure to cook gnocchi just until they float to ensure a soft and pillowy texture. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} Substituting Chicken You can swap chicken for shrimp or salmon. Both add great flavor. Cook shrimp for about 3-5 minutes. For salmon, bake or pan-sear until cooked through. Vegetarian Options For a vegetarian meal, use mushrooms or zucchini. Sauté them in olive oil. They absorb flavors well and offer a nice texture. Gnocchi Alternatives Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from potatoes or rice. These options taste great and fit into your diet. You can find them in most stores. Sauce Modifications Choose a gluten-free heavy cream or use coconut cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and rich. Always check labels for hidden gluten. Adding Seasonal Vegetables In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try butternut squash. Seasonal veggies enhance flavor and nutrition. They also add beautiful colors to the dish. Fresh Herb Alternatives If fresh basil isn’t available, use parsley or arugula. Both herbs give a fresh taste. Experimenting with herbs keeps the dish exciting and tasty. For the best taste, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. Let the dish cool to room temperature before covering. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze creamy pesto chicken gnocchi if you want to keep it longer. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It is best to freeze it without fresh spinach and tomatoes, as they can become soggy. This meal can last in the freezer for about 2 months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. This method keeps the dish safe and tasty. Reheat the gnocchi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help keep it moist. Stir often for even heating. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it to avoid drying out. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal just like you made it fresh! Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and effort. However, homemade pesto often tastes fresher and richer. Store-bought may lack some depth. If you want to boost flavor, add a bit more garlic or lemon juice. Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cut the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside. Proper cooking keeps the chicken safe to eat. You can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the gnocchi and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Combine them with the sauce just before serving for the best taste. Pair this dish with a simple green salad. Garlic bread also complements it well. You might enjoy roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for added color and nutrients. A light white wine can enhance the meal further. This blog post covered how to make creamy pesto chicken gnocchi. We discussed key ingredients like gnocchi, chicken, and basil pesto. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining these ingredients. Tips on perfecting texture, enhancing flavor, and presenting your dish were also included. You can make variations with different proteins or even gluten-free options. Lastly, I shared storage tips for leftovers. Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious meal that is satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring gnocchi, chicken, and fresh basil pesto.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound gnocchi
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Add the Cream and Pesto: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the basil pesto, mixing well to combine. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Incorporate Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  • Combine Gnocchi: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve: Plate the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi in bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, gnocchi, pesto