Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Bring a swirl of Italian comfort to your dinner table in just 30 minutes with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi recipe. Pillowy-soft gnocchi and juicy chicken come together in a luxuriously creamy pesto sauce with a zing of lemon—basically everything you want for a weeknight meal that feels special but requires minimal effort. The flavors are vibrant, the texture is dreamy, and best of all, you can have it ready before anyone can even ask “what’s for dinner?”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather for the best Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi—and some notes to make your dish shine:

• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and gnocchi; gives that irresistible golden finish.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay deliciously juicy and tender—skip the breast if you like richer flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life. Season as you go!
• Potato gnocchi: These soft dumplings are the ultimate shortcut to comfort. Store-bought is perfectly fine for busy nights.
• Garlic cloves: Adds serious aromatic depth (don’t hold back).
• Water: Just a splash to help the gnocchi cook through and stay tender.
• Heavy cream: For that rich, ultra-creamy sauce you crave.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory backbone without overpowering the herbs.
• Prepared pesto sauce: Use a quality jarred pesto—or homemade, if you have a favorite.
• Lemon juice & zest: Lemon cuts through the richness and brings out the pesto’s herby notes.
• Optional Garnishes: Grated Parmesan (because cheese makes everything better), toasted pine nuts (for crunch), and fresh basil (so fragrant!).

Tip: Save a little extra pesto or lemon zest for sprinkling just before serving—it wakes up the whole dish.

Variations

If you love experimenting, this recipe loves you right back! A few ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken breasts, cooked shrimp, or slices of Italian sausage.
• Go Vegetarian: Simply skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or baby spinach for a veggie-packed version.
• Change the Pesto: Sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto both pair beautifully with gnocchi and cream—don’t be afraid to mix up the flavor profile.
• Add Heat: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in a handful of cherry tomatoes or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

There’s really nothing intimidating here—just a few simple steps between you and dinner bliss.

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat half the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Set the chicken aside.

Step 2: Toast the Gnocchi

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil and add the potato gnocchi. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi is lightly golden. Add garlic, cook until fragrant, then splash in a little water and let the gnocchi steam for a minute or two until tender. Transfer the gnocchi to the plate with the chicken.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce

Melt the butter in the pan, then whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens up and becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Finish Everything Together

Gently return the chicken and gnocchi to the pan. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and any remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together so all the gnocchi is coated in the dreamy sauce. Let it warm through for a few minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Dish up each serving and if you like, sprinkle with plenty of grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil. It’s truly restaurant-worthy—but without the wait.

How to Serve

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi is wonderfully satisfying all on its own. For extra flair, try these serving ideas:

• Garnish Generously: Extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil don’t just look pretty—they add bonus flavor and texture.
• Pair with a Salad: Something crisp and fresh, like an arugula or mixed greens salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, balances the richness beautifully.
• Serve with Bread: Warm crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc stands up nicely to the herby pesto.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight!

Freezing

This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. The sauce may thicken on thawing, so stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if it looks too thick. The microwave also works well for single servings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi—speed, comfort, and irresistible layers of flavor all in one pan. Whether you’re looking for the perfect weeknight dinner or something that’ll impress guests with almost no effort, this recipe has you covered. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen—after all, making a little magic out of weeknight chaos is what this dish does best. Give it a try and let your taste buds celebrate!

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