Cozy Gnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto Recipe

Tender potato gnocchi dance with succulent chicken in a vibrant pesto skillet that promises pure comfort.

Basil-packed sauce coats each pillowy morsel with rich, herbaceous flavor.

Home cooks adore this quick and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The combination of soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and bright green pesto creates a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily master.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with these irresistible flavors.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this delectable Italian-inspired creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Gnocchi Skillet: Ingredient List with Chicken and Pesto

• Gnocchi: Pillowy potato dumplings that provide hearty texture and classic Italian comfort.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and creates a satisfying main course.

• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce bursting with basil, garlic, and nutty undertones that elevates the entire dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, juicy bursts that add fresh sweetness and colorful pop.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and provides luxurious richness.

• Spinach: Tender leafy green that wilts quickly and adds nutritional boost.
• Parsley or Basil: Fresh herbs that contribute aromatic finishing touch and garden-fresh brightness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that intensifies overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Silky lubricant that prevents sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Tools Needed for the Perfect Gnocchi Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Large kettle or pot: Perfect for boiling water to par-cook gnocchi.
• Slotted spoon: Helps transfer gnocchi precisely from boiling water.
• Measuring tablespoon: Needed for accurate pesto and cooking water measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients gently.
• Cutting board: Use for preparing herbs and checking chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop garnish herbs quickly.

Cooking Steps for Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Gnocchi Skillet Symphony

• Gnocchi Water Bath

Boil a generous pot of water, transforming it into a welcoming pool for the soft potato pillows. Gently submerge the gnocchi, letting them swim briefly and absorb the salty embrace.

• Gnocchi Preparation

Rescue the gnocchi with a slotted spoon, allowing them to rest in a cozy bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and coat with a silky layer of pesto, creating a flavorful armor.

• Skillet Warmup

Awaken the skillet over medium heat. Welcome the chicken, letting it dance and warm through, releasing its savory aroma.

• Green and Vibrant Touch

Invite spinach to join the party, wilting into a verdant carpet. Sprinkle cherry tomatoes like colorful confetti, then weave in more pesto for depth.

• Gnocchi's Grand Entrance

Tenderly reunite the gnocchi with the skillet’s medley, stirring with gentle care to ensure every morsel is heated with love.

• Finishing Flourish

Crown the dish with crumbled goat cheese, letting it melt into creamy pools. If desired, scatter fresh herbs for a final burst of brightness.

Variations for Veggies, Cheese, or Creaminess

• Swap chicken with crispy shredded turkey, tender salmon, or plant-based tofu for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Experiment with sun-dried tomato, spinach, arugula, or roasted red pepper pesto instead of traditional basil pesto to create unique taste combinations.
• Toss in roasted zucchini, sautéed bell peppers, or caramelized mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the skillet.
• Prepare gnocchi and chicken separately, then combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, or vegan parmesan to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

How to Serve Gnocchi Skillet Fresh Off the Pan

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra crumbled goat cheese on top for a creamy, tangy burst that melts perfectly into the warm gnocchi and chicken.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the pesto's herbal notes and the chicken's mild taste.
• Rustic Side Salad: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty skillet and create a complete meal experience.

How to Store and Reheat the

• Weekend Batch Prep: Cook the entire recipe on Sunday and portion into individual containers for easy weekday lunches. Keeps perfectly for 3-4 days in sealed glass containers inside the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Package cooled gnocchi dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Stays delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm gently in microwave or skillet with small splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency. Best consumed within 48 hours for optimal texture.
• Smart Ingredient Swap: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein for variation. Vegetarian options like tofu or white beans work beautifully without compromising flavor profile. Customize according to dietary preferences and pantry availability.

Rustic Gnocchi Skillet

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy gnocchi skillet with chicken and pesto delivers comfort on a plate. Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each hearty, delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) potato or cauliflower gnocchi
• 2 (9 oz / 255 g) Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled
• 6 tbsps store-bought pesto
• 2 tsps olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley and/or basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a vigorous boil.
2. Cook Gnocchi: Immerse gnocchi in boiling water, adding salt, and cook for 30 seconds until they float to the surface.
3. Prepare Gnocchi: Drain gnocchi using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl, and lightly coat with olive oil and pesto.
4. Sauté Chicken: Heat skillet over medium flame, add chicken, and cook until warmed through.
5. Add Vegetables: Introduce spinach and cherry tomatoes, sautéing until spinach wilts and tomatoes begin to soften.
6. Combine Ingredients: Fold in remaining pesto and reserved cooking liquid to create a cohesive sauce, ensuring the mixture remains moist.
7. Final Assembly: Gently incorporate pesto-coated gnocchi into the skillet, warming thoroughly and ensuring even distribution.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the dish and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Notes

• Boil Water Precisely: Use a large pot and ensure a rolling boil for perfect gnocchi texture and even cooking.
• Drain Strategically: Save cooking liquid as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add depth of flavor.
• Prevent Sticking: Coat gnocchi with olive oil immediately after boiling to stop them from clumping together.
• Balance Moisture: Add reserved cooking water sparingly if the skillet mixture seems dry, creating a silky, cohesive sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg