30-Minute Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Prepare to be wowed by our 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi—a major player for weeknight dinners! This dish features a comforting and creamy sauce complemented by delicate gnocchi that feels like a warm embrace. By using a clever technique to pan-sear the gnocchi rather than boiling it, you can whip up this one-pot delight in just 30 minutes whenever a craving for comfort food hits!

Jump to:

• 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
• Table of Contents
• Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• Healthier Ingredient Swaps
• How to Make Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
• Step 1: Sear the chicken.
• Step 2: Sear the gnocchi.
• Step 3: Make the pesto cream sauce.
• Step 4: Toss everything together.
• Tip for Pan-Seared Gnocchi
• Preparation and Storage Directions
• FAQs
• What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
• More Easy Gnocchi Recipes
• More One-Skillet Dinners
• Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
3. Healthier Ingredient Swaps
4. How to Make Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
5. Tip for Pan-Seared Gnocchi
6. Preparation and Storage Directions
7. FAQs
8. What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
9. More Easy Gnocchi Recipes
10. More One-Skillet Dinners
11. Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

We’ve been on a gnocchi-making spree lately, thanks to one pivotal moment: discovering that you don’t have to BOIL store-bought gnocchi! (Shoutout to Justin and his Gnocchi Bolognese for this revelation!)

It’s as effortless as tossing store-bought gnocchi into a skillet with a splash of oil, searing them for a few moments on each side, and then steaming with a bit of water. Boom—gnocchi ready for a delicious pesto cream sauce paired with tender chicken, all made in a SINGLE skillet.

Let’s be real—you’re here for the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi. It’s simply fantastic. The kind of recipe you’ll want to make every week, blending creamy comfort with zesty, fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a snap since everything is prepared in just one pot—no need to juggle multiple burners.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, you can measure ingredients while the chicken and gnocchi cook, making this perfect for bustling weeknights.
• Store-Bought Shortcuts: Utilizing pre-made pesto and gnocchi keeps the prep time short without sacrificing taste.
• Healthy Swaps: It’s easy to make this dish even healthier with a few simple ingredient substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

• Chicken: Chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture, but boneless skinless breasts can be used as a substitute.
• Gnocchi: If you’ve never tried Homemade Gnocchi, you’re missing out! However, if you’re short on time, pick up some pre-made gnocchi from the grocery store.
• Cream: Heavy cream contributes a rich texture and flavor. You can substitute with full-fat milk or a plant-based alternative if desired.
• Pesto: Use homemade pesto or your favorite store-bought jar.
• Toppings: Learn to chiffonade basil and feel free to add some toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

• Consider using cauliflower gnocchi for added veggies or a gluten-free option if needed.
• Replace heavy cream with regular milk or a full-fat plant-based alternative like oat milk.
• You can choose chicken breasts over thighs to cut down on fat, but they might lack some flavor!

How to Make Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

Refer to the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts and instructions.

Step 1: Sear the chicken.

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping occasionally, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 2: Sear the gnocchi.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with the gnocchi. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes without stirring until they’re golden. Add water and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the gnocchi are tender. Move the gnocchi to the plate with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the pesto cream sauce.

Using the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the pesto. Mix well and bring to a boil, reducing the heat to low to simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Toss everything together.

Return the chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining salt and pepper. Heat through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi topped with chiffonade basil, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. You might also want to try pairing it with some irresistible Parmesan Cheese Crisps!

Tip for Pan-Seared Gnocchi

Allow the gnocchi to remain undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping; you want them to achieve a beautiful golden color!

Preparation and Storage Directions

• Prep-Ahead: Although this dish can be made a day or two in advance, it’s best to store the components separately until you’re ready to serve. The gnocchi could absorb a lot of the sauce if stored together. Reheat separately and combine just before serving.
• Storage: The ideal way to store leftover gnocchi is in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. It’s better to flash-freeze the gnocchi separately from the sauce; both items can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Warm this dish in a pot over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! I’ve had great results with both homemade and store-bought pesto. Just make sure to pick one with less oil to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh or store-bought?
Definitely! Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging to ensure they’re cooked all the way through.

Can I substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp or tofu?
While substitutions are possible, be mindful that the cooking times will differ.

What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

When it’s time to dig in, pair it with these complimentary sides:

• A fresh salad such as a Caesar Salad, Lemon Arugula Salad, or Chopped Kale Salad.
• A vegetable side like Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Asparagus, or Sautéed Green Beans.

More Easy Gnocchi Recipes

Gnocchi is such an underrated ingredient! Don’t overlook these tasty recipes:

• Gnocchi Bolognese
• Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Homemade Potato Gnocchi
• Lemon Chicken Gnocchi

More One-Skillet Dinners

If you’re in search of simplicity, these recipes are sure to please:

• Burger in a Bowl
• Korean Beef Bowls
• Beef Taco Skillet
• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Ground Turkey Broccoli Cheese Skillet
• Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
• Thai Basil Chicken
• Reuben in a Bowl

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

(Recipe card with specific instructions and ingredient quantities goes here)

Enjoy creating this delightful creamy chicken pesto gnocchi dish that brings the comfort of home cooking to your kitchen in just half an hour!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Blackened Chicken Rigatoni
• Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers
• Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken
• Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo

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📖 Recipe Card

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