Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
712 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
Description
Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi features diced chicken breast quickly browned to develop a savory base before gently simmering with minced garlic and butter. The addition of pesto introduces aromatic basil and pine nut flavors into a lush sauce made creamy with heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth. Potato gnocchi cook in the sauce, absorbing its richness while retaining a pleasant firmness. Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end, lending a nutty depth and smooth texture. Finishing with fresh basil leaves adds brightness and a fresh herbal touch.
The dish delivers a velvety sauce coating tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. The gentle simmering technique melds the flavors without overcooking delicate gnocchi. Seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, it has a balanced and satisfying profile. This recipe works well for a comforting weeknight meal, combining protein and pasta in one skillet for convenient cooking and cleanup.
For serving, this dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad to add crisp contrast or steamed vegetables. It can be enjoyed immediately while the gnocchi are tender and the sauce is warm and creamy.
Notes suggest chicken thigh as an alternative for a different texture and flavor. The recipe can accommodate leftover roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Vegetable broth may substitute chicken broth to modify the flavor and sodium content. Shelf-stable dried gnocchi can be used and is noted for holding up well in one-pan dishes. Grating fresh Parmesan is recommended to avoid grainy texture from pre-grated cheese and enhance flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 chicken breast diced (see note 1
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ¼ cup pesto (see note 2)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth (see note 3)
- 1.1 pound potato gnocchi see note 4, uncooked
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese see note 5, grated
- ¼ cup basil leaves
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Add the oil to a high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chunks of chicken and cook for 2 minutes over high heat so the chicken browns.1 tablespoon olive oil2 chicken breasts
- Turn the heat to low and add the butter and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds, and then add in the pesto.1 tablespoon butter3 cloves garlic¼ cup pesto
- Pour in the cream and broth, stir well to combine, and bring to a simmer.1 cup heavy cream¼ cup chicken broth
- Add the gnocchi, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.1.1 pound / 500 g uncooked potato gnocchi
- Uncover the pan, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese, then remove from the heat and stir in the basil leave.½ cup / 45 g grated parmesan cheese¼ cup basil leaves
- Taste your sauce and season to taste. Serve immediately. salt & pepper
Notes
- Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to shorten prep time if desired.
- Low sodium vegetable broth is a good substitute for chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Dried gnocchi works well in one-pan meals and can commonly be found in the pasta aisle.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor and smoother sauce texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 712 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 712kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 161mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 718mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 516mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1517IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 216mg | 22% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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