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- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 16 oz package of gnocchi - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pesto sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish In this creamy pesto chicken gnocchi dish, we focus on fresh, simple ingredients. First, the chicken breast. It’s lean and cooks quickly. Dice it into small pieces for even cooking. The gnocchi adds a fun texture and absorbs the sauce well. I recommend a 16 oz package for this recipe. The creamy sauce starts with heavy cream. It gives a rich base. The pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. For seasonings, I keep it simple. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken. Garlic powder and onion powder add great taste without fuss. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They bring all the flavors together. Cherry tomatoes add color and freshness. Halve them for easy mixing. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely finish. And fresh basil leaves make it look beautiful. Now you have everything you need for this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi when it’s bubbling. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they float. This shows they are done. Drain them well and set aside. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken to the hot oil. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. Make sure it is cooked through with no pink inside. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with chicken. Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. This helps all the flavors come together. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will soften the tomatoes without losing their shape. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy this creamy delight! To make your dish shine, focus on seasoning. Use salt and pepper to bring out the chicken's taste. If you want more zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For the pesto, consider using fresh basil if you can. This adds a bright touch and a fresh taste. You can also mix in a squeeze of lemon juice. This helps enhance the flavors in your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi. You can cook the chicken in many ways. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Baking the chicken in the oven keeps it juicy. Just make sure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. For the gnocchi, always boil in salted water. This makes the gnocchi taste better. Look for them to float in the water. That means they are done. Plating is key to a great meal. Start with a mound of gnocchi in the center of the plate. Then, place the chicken and sauce on top. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the dish for color. For garnish, use fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. This adds a rich finish to the dish. Pro Tips Cook Gnocchi Carefully: Ensure that the gnocchi is cooked just until it floats to avoid a mushy texture. Season Chicken Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning when cooking the chicken; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Use Fresh Pesto: For a vibrant flavor, opt for fresh pesto over store-bought, if possible. It makes a significant difference! Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water. {{image_2}} You can use shrimp or tofu in place of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it when you mix in the cream and pesto. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu needs more time. You should sauté it first until golden. Then add it to the mix just like chicken. This way, you'll keep the dish tasty and healthy. If you want to cut fat, use low-fat cream. It still gives a rich taste. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch. To make the dish vegan-friendly, swap the chicken for tofu and use vegan pesto. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful without animal products. Adding extra vegetables makes this dish even better. Try spinach, peas, or bell peppers for color and crunch. You can also switch up the pesto. Sun-dried tomato pesto gives a sweet twist. Spinach pesto adds a fresh taste. These changes will make your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi unique and fun to eat! To store your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi, wait for it to cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Before serving, check for any off smells or changes in texture. To freeze creamy pesto chicken gnocchi, let it cool completely first. Then, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water if it looks dry. Stir until it's heated through. Enjoy your meal! Gnocchi is a type of pasta. It usually has simple ingredients. Commonly, it is made from: - Potatoes - Flour - Eggs These ingredients create a soft and pillowy texture. Some recipes may use ricotta or other ingredients. The best gnocchi feels light and fluffy when cooked. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and still tastes good. Choose it when: - You are short on time. - You want a quick meal. - You do not have fresh herbs. Store-bought pesto can be very flavorful. Look for brands with quality ingredients for the best taste. To add heat, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking. - Stir in some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers. - Use a spicy pesto sauce instead of the regular kind. These options give a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook the gnocchi and chicken ahead of time. - Store in airtight containers in the fridge. - Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave. This dish stays tasty for up to three days in the fridge. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner! This recipe blends tasty chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy pesto. You learned the key ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to enhance flavor. With tips for leftovers and variations, you can make it fit your taste. Enjoy crafting your own version of creamy pesto chicken gnocchi!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

A delicious and creamy dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, and pesto sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 package gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically until they float (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well blended. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, gnocchi, pesto