Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Chicken (Print Version)

Tender gnocchi tossed in a rich pesto cream sauce with succulent chicken pieces and fresh basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Gnocchi

05 - 18 oz store-bought potato gnocchi

→ Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
10 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves
13 - Extra grated Parmesan

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Season the chicken cubes with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Add gnocchi and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and crisp on the outside.
04 - Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to deglaze the pan.
06 - Stir in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • Pan-crisped gnocchi creates these irresistible crispy edges while staying pillowy inside
  • The pesto cream sauce clings to every bite so no forkful is boring
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken or it will steam instead of getting that nice golden crust
  • The gnocchi will continue to soften as they sit in the sauce, so serve immediately if you want to keep that crispy texture
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it up
03 -
  • Use a skillet you are comfortable in—this dish requires some stirring and tossing
  • Prep everything before you start cooking, as the sauce comes together quickly once the cream hits the pan
Return