If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, comforting flavors and a touch of Italian elegance, then you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and that vibrant pesto sauce all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy texture. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends over a casual dinner, this recipe promises a satisfying, flavorful meal that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but each plays an essential role in creating the rich, satisfying layers of this dish. From the tender chicken thighs that soak up all the flavors to the gnocchi that acts as the perfect soft pillow, every item is thoughtfully chosen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for browning chicken and golden searing gnocchi to add depth and richness.
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay tender and perfectly juicy when cooked.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of chicken and gnocchi.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: The star starch of the dish, creating a soft, chewy base.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses aromatic depth and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps soften the gnocchi and keeps the pan from drying out.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Provides the rich, silky texture that makes this dish decadently creamy.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and helps thin the sauce slightly for a perfect consistency.
- ½ cup prepared pesto sauce: The herbaceous, nutty, and cheesy star that infuses bold flavor into the cream.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens and balances the richness with a fresh zing.
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest: Adds a burst of citrus aroma for extra dimension.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A final seasoning to keep flavors rounded and balanced.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Further layers the dish with mild heat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top, providing that classic salty, nutty finish.
- Toasted pine nuts: Add crunch and a buttery, earthy note to the final plate.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced: Offers a beautiful, fresh herbal finish that complements the pesto.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat your skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started. Once hot, toss in your chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper. Cooking them in a single layer ensures they brown nicely, creating that lovely caramelized flavor that sets the foundation for the dish. Stir frequently so each piece cooks evenly and reaches a juicy, tender finish. The key is to let the chicken develop a golden crust while locking in moisture. Once done, set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Gnocchi and Garlic
Using the same skillet keeps all those wonderful browned bits from the chicken, boosting the flavor. Add the remaining olive oil and the potato gnocchi. Let them cook until they get that beautiful golden tan, giving them a bit of crispy texture on the outside while staying soft inside. Then in goes the garlic, quickly cooked just until fragrant, releasing its warm, aromatic notes without burning. A splash of water helps to steam the gnocchi gently until perfectly tender, rounding out this step with just the right texture.
Step 3: Stir Up the Creamy Pesto Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and the prepared pesto sauce directly into your skillet, stirring everything to blend those fresh basil and Parmesan-rich flavors with silky cream. Turn the heat up to bring it boiling and then reduce to a simmer. This helps the sauce thicken slightly, transforming it into a luscious coating for your gnocchi and chicken. It’s all about that perfect creamy consistency that will tie the whole dish together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce
Time to reunite all your ingredients. Slide the golden chicken and tender gnocchi back into the skillet, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The citrus lifts the entire dish with bright freshness, preventing the creaminess from feeling too heavy. Gently stir everything together to ensure each piece gets lovingly coated with the sauce. Let it cook a few minutes more so the flavors meld wonderfully and the dish warms through completely.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Now for the final flourish: serve your creamy chicken pesto gnocchi on warm plates, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, savory edge. Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty depth that contrasts with the softness of the gnocchi. Finish with freshly sliced basil leaves to bring color, aroma, and a pop of herbal brightness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and prepare for delighted smiles.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnish. A touch of grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil not only create visual appeal but also enhance the textural and flavor complexity. These small additions elevate the dish from comforting to memorable, inviting your guests to savor every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccolini bring a nice crunch and add a pop of color to your plate. If you want to keep it simple, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a winning side to soak up every last bit of that creamy pesto sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the creamy chicken pesto gnocchi directly from a warm, rustic skillet. Layer the gnocchi and chicken, then top with generous garnishes for an inviting family-style meal. Alternatively, use individual shallow bowls for a cozy, intimate feel. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can give guests the option to add an extra citrus kick. Experimenting with colorful edible flowers or microgreens can also add a gourmet touch without complicating the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe features a dairy-rich sauce, keeping it chilled quickly and reheating gently is essential to prevent separation and maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While this dish is absolutely best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Portion the gnocchi and chicken into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When freezing, be mindful that the creamy sauce can change texture slightly, so thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The key to reheating Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is gentle heat. Use a low flame on the stove and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir often to keep the gnocchi tender and avoid scorching. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave on medium power in short bursts works well when you stir between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it as breast tends to dry out faster than thighs. Cooking it in bite-sized pieces as the recipe suggests helps keep it tender.
What type of pesto works best?
Traditional basil pesto is perfect here, especially one made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and good olive oil. Store-bought pesto works fine and saves time, but homemade pesto will add an extra layer of freshness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes instead. The creamy pesto sauce is delicious with lots of veggie options for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Is potato gnocchi hard to cook?
Not at all! Potato gnocchi cooks quickly and only needs a brief sauté and steaming in this recipe to get perfectly tender. Just be careful not to overcook or it might become mushy.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy pesto sauce up to a day before, then gently reheat it when ready to combine with the chicken and gnocchi. This can help save time on busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi come together in a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy and impress. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how wonderfully comforting and delicious homemade pasta dishes can be!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi recipe features tender chicken thighs and pillowy potato gnocchi tossed in a luscious pesto cream sauce, accented with fresh lemon zest and garnished with Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and basil. A quick and flavorful skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the potato gnocchi. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi develops a light golden color. Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the gnocchi becomes tender. Transfer the gnocchi to the plate with the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and prepared pesto sauce. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Add the lemon juice, grated lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Gently stir all ingredients together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy chicken pesto gnocchi. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
- Lightly browning the gnocchi adds texture and enhances flavor.
- Adjust pesto quantity to taste for more or less intensity.
- To toast pine nuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and stir the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish but can be omitted if unavailable.
