Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet Delicious Dinner

September 9, 2025 by Rosie

Are you craving a quick, tasty dinner that impresses? Let me introduce you to my Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet! This one-pan wonder features tender chicken, pillow-like gnocchi, and vibrant greens, all enveloped in rich, creamy pesto. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for guests. Follow my easy steps to whip up this delicious dish in no time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Diced chicken breast
Potato gnocchi
Store-bought pesto sauce
Heavy cream

Additional Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes
Spinach leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnishes

Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil leaves

The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. I love using diced chicken breast because it cooks quickly and adds protein. Potato gnocchi gives a delightful texture. The store-bought pesto sauce brings vibrant flavor without the fuss. Heavy cream makes everything rich and creamy.

Next, I add cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. The spinach leaves add color and nutrition. Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, enriching the sauce.

For seasonings, I use olive oil, salt, and pepper. They help enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish and add an aromatic touch.

This ingredient lineup creates a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish shine. You will love how well they work together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Gnocchi

Next, add a package of potato gnocchi to the same skillet. Cook the gnocchi for 3-4 minutes. Look for a slight browning on the gnocchi. This step adds a nice texture. Keep an eye on the timing to get it just right.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of store-bought pesto sauce. Stir well to mix the sauces. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. After that, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Final Touches

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken before you serve.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To achieve a creamy texture, use heavy cream. This rich ingredient helps make your dish smooth. Stir the cream in gently to mix it well with the pesto. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help all the flavors blend together.

To avoid overcooking gnocchi, keep a close eye on them. Cook the gnocchi until they are golden brown, not mushy. Check them after about 3-4 minutes. They should float to the top when ready.

Serving Suggestions

For an ideal presentation, serve the dish in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This adds color and makes it look fancy. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine.

Pair this dish with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing goes well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

Recipe Adaptations

For dietary preferences, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with pesto and cream. Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed.

You can also replace heavy cream with a plant-based cream. This keeps it creamy without dairy. If you want a lighter dish, use less pesto and cream. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink, then follow the same steps. Tofu gives a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu and pan-fry it until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty.

Vegetables to Add

Seasonal vegetables can boost color and nutrition. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just chop them and add them when you stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. They will cook down nicely and add great texture.

Sauce Alternatives

You can make homemade pesto for a fresh taste. Blend basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a quick sauce. If you want to cut calories, use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy without the extra fat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. The best way is to use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid drying out.

If you want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet?

Making this dish takes about 30 minutes. You will spend 15 minutes prepping your ingredients. Cooking the chicken and gnocchi will take another 15 minutes. This quick time frame makes it perfect for busy nights.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level easily. For a milder taste, skip any extra spices. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or black pepper. Start with a small amount, and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance for your family.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep the gnocchi and sauce mix separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the gnocchi from getting too soft. You can easily reheat it for a tasty lunch or dinner.

This blog post showed you how to make a tasty Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and pesto. I shared step-by-step cooking tips for perfect texture. You also saw ways to adapt the recipe for your needs.

Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to try variations and make it your own. Enjoy every bite and share the joy of this dish with others. Happy cooking!

$- Diced chicken breast - Potato gnocchi - Store-bought pesto sauce - Heavy cream - Cherry tomatoes - Spinach leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - Olive oil - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves The main ingredients form the heart of this dish. I love using diced chicken breast because it cooks quickly and adds protein. Potato gnocchi gives a delightful texture. The store-bought pesto sauce brings vibrant flavor without the fuss. Heavy cream makes everything rich and creamy. Next, I add cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. The spinach leaves add color and nutrition. Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, enriching the sauce. For seasonings, I use olive oil, salt, and pepper. They help enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish and add an aromatic touch. This ingredient lineup creates a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish shine. You will love how well they work together! To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Next, add a package of potato gnocchi to the same skillet. Cook the gnocchi for 3-4 minutes. Look for a slight browning on the gnocchi. This step adds a nice texture. Keep an eye on the timing to get it just right. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of store-bought pesto sauce. Stir well to mix the sauces. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. After that, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken before you serve. To achieve a creamy texture, use heavy cream. This rich ingredient helps make your dish smooth. Stir the cream in gently to mix it well with the pesto. Let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help all the flavors blend together. To avoid overcooking gnocchi, keep a close eye on them. Cook the gnocchi until they are golden brown, not mushy. Check them after about 3-4 minutes. They should float to the top when ready. For an ideal presentation, serve the dish in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. This adds color and makes it look fancy. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine. Pair this dish with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing goes well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For dietary preferences, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with pesto and cream. Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed. You can also replace heavy cream with a plant-based cream. This keeps it creamy without dairy. If you want a lighter dish, use less pesto and cream. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely flavor. Just sauté it until it turns pink, then follow the same steps. Tofu gives a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu and pan-fry it until golden. Both options keep the dish tasty. Seasonal vegetables can boost color and nutrition. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just chop them and add them when you stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. They will cook down nicely and add great texture. You can make homemade pesto for a fresh taste. Blend basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a quick sauce. If you want to cut calories, use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy without the extra fat. To keep your Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Place it in the fridge within two hours after cooking. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you want to keep that creamy texture. The best way is to use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid drying out. If you want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Making this dish takes about 30 minutes. You will spend 15 minutes prepping your ingredients. Cooking the chicken and gnocchi will take another 15 minutes. This quick time frame makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can adjust the spice level easily. For a milder taste, skip any extra spices. To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or black pepper. Start with a small amount, and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right balance for your family. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep the gnocchi and sauce mix separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the gnocchi from getting too soft. You can easily reheat it for a tasty lunch or dinner. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, gnocchi, and pesto. I shared step-by-step cooking tips for perfect texture. You also saw ways to adapt the recipe for your needs. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Don't hesitate to try variations and make it your own. Enjoy every bite and share the joy of this dish with others. Happy cooking!$