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To make this creamy dish, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 2 cups fresh gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the gnocchi perfectly. You can add a touch of your own style with these optional ingredients: - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick - Grilled zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor - Extra garlic for a bolder taste These choices help you make the dish feel fresh and unique. Pair this dish with simple sides to enhance your meal: - A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a delicious crunch - Steamed asparagus or green beans for a healthy touch These sides balance the creamy flavors of the gnocchi and add color to your plate. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 1 pound of chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper for taste. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. While the chicken cooks, fill a pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Carefully add 2 cups of fresh gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, which usually takes 2-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside for later. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed tomatoes. Once the cream is warmed up, add 1/2 cup of basil pesto sauce, mixing it well until blended. Return the cooked chicken and drained gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the gnocchi are coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to mix. To cook the chicken perfectly, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. Cook it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Letting it rest after cooking keeps it juicy. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream as the base. Heat it gently to avoid curdling. Adding pesto while the cream warms up helps blend flavors. Stir continuously for a smooth mix. Finish with grated Parmesan for added creaminess and flavor. Serve the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi in shallow bowls. Top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad for crunch. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements this dish well. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Always cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. This ensures a light and fluffy texture. Customizing Pesto: Feel free to enhance your store-bought pesto with additional fresh basil, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor depth. Chicken Tenderness: For juicier chicken, let the pieces rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender bites. Garnishing Like a Pro: When garnishing, use whole basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for a professional touch that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies add great flavor and texture. Slice mushrooms or zucchini, then sauté them in olive oil until tender. The creamy pesto sauce will coat these veggies just like chicken. This option keeps the dish rich and satisfying. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands make delicious gluten-free gnocchi. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes. They will soak up the creamy sauce and add a nice twist. Enhance your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi with extra flavors. Consider adding spinach or kale for a health boost. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy kick. Pine nuts or walnuts can add a nice crunch. You can even try a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Each addition will bring a new layer of flavor to your meal. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the creamy pesto chicken gnocchi in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any odors. When reheating, use a skillet for the best taste. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it on medium-low, stirring often. This way, the gnocchi and chicken will warm evenly without drying out. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese. Place the cooled gnocchi and chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet, adding fresh cream and cheese for the best flavor. It takes about 25 minutes to make Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi. This includes 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. You can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi. It saves time and still tastes great! Just cook it as directed on the package. You can add many tasty ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Spinach: Add fresh spinach for a healthy boost. - Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy flavor. - Sun-dried tomatoes: Add for a tangy kick. - Crushed red pepper: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some in. These additions will make your dish even more flavorful! Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi is a simple yet tasty dish. We’ve covered key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can customize it to fit your taste or diet. Storing leftovers is easy, and reheating keeps it delicious. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative! Dive into this recipe and enjoy a meal everyone will love.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Delight

A delightful creamy dish featuring chicken, gnocchi, and basil pesto.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 basil pesto sauce
  • 1 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken pieces. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
  • While the tomatoes are cooking, fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Carefully add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface, which typically takes about 2-4 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set them aside.
  • Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the sautéed tomatoes. Once the cream is warmed through, add the basil pesto sauce, stirring until it is fully blended into the cream.
  • Return the cooked chicken and drained gnocchi to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the gnocchi are well coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to incorporate it into the dish.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Keyword chicken, creamy, gnocchi, pesto