Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

If you adore cozy, comforting meals that feel a little fancy yet come together effortlessly, then you absolutely must try this Chicken Pesto Gnocchi recipe. It’s one of those dishes that combines tender chicken with fluffy gnocchi, all coated in a dreamy, vibrant pesto cream sauce that’s bursting with fresh basil flavor. Every bite offers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and herby goodness that instantly makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Pesto Gnocchi is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the battle won in cooking a dish this comforting and delicious. Each component in this Chicken Pesto Gnocchi recipe plays a vital role from delivering rich textures to layering on bold, fresh flavors.

• Olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing chicken and vegetables, elevating the overall richness.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that pairs wonderfully with creamy pesto flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a flavorful crispy coating on the chicken when combined with seasonings.
• Paprika and onion powder: Adds a subtle smoky and savory depth without overpowering the dish.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly, enhancing all flavors.
• Diced onion: Softens and sweetens the sauce base while adding a hint of texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring a juicy burst of acidity and vibrant color that balances the creamy sauce.
• Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
• Lower-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without being too salty.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that wraps around the gnocchi and chicken perfectly.
• Pesto sauce: The star of the dish, bursting with the fresh flavors of basil, parmesan, and pine nuts.
• Packaged gnocchi: Offers pillowy soft bites that soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare and Make the Pesto Sauce

Start by making your homemade pesto to ensure that fresh, fragrant basil flavor shines through. Using a food processor, combine basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and toasted pine nuts, then gradually drizzle in olive oil until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. While you’ll use half a cup for this recipe, freezing the rest is a great way to have fresh pesto ready for another cooking adventure.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Chicken

Get your oven warmed to 375 degrees, then butterfly and halve your chicken breasts. This technique not only helps them cook quickly but ensures each piece is perfectly tender. Flattening the chicken slightly also guarantees even cooking later on, which is important for that juicy final bite.

Step 3: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Mix flour with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating. Dredging the chicken in this mixture adds a bit of texture and helps lock in moisture while giving a subtle spice that complements the pesto beautifully.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet until shimmering, then add your chicken pieces. Sear each side for about two minutes until golden brown. Don’t worry about fully cooking them now—that will finish in the oven. This browning step adds incredible flavor and a lovely color.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and cook the onions until they soften and become fragrant. Then toss in garlic, cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stirring continuously helps evenly cook the garlic and allows tomatoes to release their juiciness, adding freshness and tang to the dish.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients and Prepare to Bake

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and half of your homemade pesto sauce. Nestle the seared chicken into this creamy mixture, then scatter gnocchi on top. This layering ensures the gnocchi absorb both the sauce and oven’s heat, turning perfectly tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the gnocchi are soft. Baking allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.

Step 8: Finish with Pesto and Serve

Once out of the oven, stir in the remaining pesto sauce to intensify the basil flavor and add a glossy finish to the sauce. Serve immediately sprinkled with extra parmesan and freshly ground black pepper for that final touch of richness and spice.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

Garnishes

To bring out the best in your Chicken Pesto Gnocchi, sprinkle it with freshly shredded parmesan cheese and a dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and extra herbaceous aroma.

Side Dishes

This creamy and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing bite. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also make charming accompaniments that enhance the meal without overwhelming the main flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the Chicken Pesto Gnocchi in rustic cast iron skillets straight from the oven for a cozy, inviting presentation. Alternatively, plating with a drizzle of extra pesto and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts elevates the dish’s texture and looks restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Chicken Pesto Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry even more after a night, making for a delicious next-day meal that reheats beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to keep the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce separate from any fresh garnishes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming helps maintain the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and saves time. Just choose a good quality one with fresh ingredients to keep that vibrant basil flavor alive in your Chicken Pesto Gnocchi.

What type of gnocchi is best?

Packaged potato gnocchi are convenient and create the perfect soft bite in this dish. Fresh gnocchi can be used too, just adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. The pesto and gnocchi combo still delivers a rich, satisfying meal.

How spicy is the Chicken Pesto Gnocchi?

This recipe is mild and focuses more on herbaceous and creamy flavors, but you can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick without overpowering the freshness of pesto.

Can I prepare anything ahead of time?

Definitely make the pesto sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. You can also have the chicken prepped and dredged so you just need to cook and bake when it’s mealtime.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Chicken Pesto Gnocchi is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. It’s truly a dish that feels special yet is surprisingly straightforward to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this beloved recipe to your dinner rotation—it’s one you’ll return to again and again!

Print