Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken (Printable)

Tender gnocchi and chicken tossed in creamy pesto sauce. An irresistible Italian comfort dish ready in just 35 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Gnocchi

05 - 18 oz store-bought potato gnocchi

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup basil pesto
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves
13 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Season chicken cubes with kosher salt and black pepper
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside
03 - In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add gnocchi and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp on the outside
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
05 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to deglaze the pan
06 - Stir in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed
08 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The gnocchi are pan-crisped for a delightful texture contrast.
  • It features a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream and fresh pesto.
  • A complete, satisfying meal that goes from kitchen to table in under 40 minutes.
02 -
  • Use store-bought or homemade pesto, but ensure it is fresh for the best color and taste.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra cream to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season the chicken generously before cooking to build flavor from the very beginning.
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