Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi One Pot Delight

September 18, 2025 by Emma

If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal, I have just the recipe for you: Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi One Pot Delight! This dish combines fluffy gnocchi with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all in a creamy basil pesto sauce. Plus, it cooks in just one pot, making clean-up easy. Ready to impress your family or friends? Let’s dive into this easy, comforting recipe!

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Ingredients

To make Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you should gather:

– 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/2 cup basil pesto

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this dish. The gnocchi adds a soft and pillowy texture. Chicken provides protein and heartiness. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds flavor. Spinach and cherry tomatoes bring freshness and color. Heavy cream creates that rich, creamy base. Basil pesto gives it a vibrant, herbaceous kick. Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish. Seasonings tie everything together, and fresh basil makes the dish pop visually and tastefully.

Now that you have your ingredients, you’re ready to dive into the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Sautéing Chicken

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Look for the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through.

Adding Vegetables

Next, add 2 cups of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything well to mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and add flavor.

Incorporating Cream and Pesto

Lower the heat a bit. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine it with the chicken and veggies. Then, add in 1/2 cup of basil pesto. This step brings all the flavors together and creates a creamy base.

Cooking Gnocchi

Now, add 1 pound of gnocchi directly into the pot. Gently stir to ensure each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes. You want the gnocchi to be heated through and the sauce to thicken a little.

Mixing in Cheese

Finally, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring Chicken is Cooked

To make sure your chicken cooks well, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. You want a nice golden color and no pink inside. Use a meat thermometer, and aim for 165°F (75°C) to be safe.

– Achieving the Right Creamy Consistency

For creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir as you pour to combine it well with the other ingredients. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it smooth and pourable.

– Selecting the Best Gnocchi

Choose gnocchi that is fresh or of good quality. If you pick store-bought, look for brands with simple ingredients. Homemade gnocchi is a fun option too, but it requires extra time. Either way, they should be light and fluffy when cooked.

Serving Suggestions

– Ideal Pairings

This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette can add a nice touch. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water works great.

– Presentation Tips

Serve your dish in shallow bowls. This makes it look more appealing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It adds color and invites everyone to dig in!

Variations

Ingredient Substitutes

Low-Fat Alternatives

You can swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. This change cuts calories while keeping some creaminess. For cheese, use a lower-fat version of Parmesan. This works well for a lighter dish without losing flavor.

Vegetable Add-ins

Add more veggies for color and nutrients. Try zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty touch. These additions blend well with the chicken and pesto, creating a more vibrant meal.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding Spices

For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This simple step gives your dish a nice warmth. You might also try garlic powder or Italian herbs. These spices boost flavor without overpowering the creamy pesto.

Alternative Sauces

If you want a twist, use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto. This gives a rich, tangy taste. Another option is adding a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing to your dish.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerating

After enjoying your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi, cool any leftovers first. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty.

Freezing Options

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great choice. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

Best Methods to Reheat

The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it warm up. Stir gently until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It adds a personal touch and great flavor. Just make sure it is cooked right before adding it to the sauce. Fresh gnocchi will cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce well.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can cut into a piece to check. The meat should be white, not pink. If you see any pink, cook it a bit longer.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Mix in some cornstarch to thicken it. This will help you achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream.

This article covers a simple recipe with tasty ingredients like chicken and gnocchi. You learned the steps to cook this dish, from sautéing chicken to mixing in cheese. Helpful tips ensure your meal comes out great, and variations let you customize it easily. Storing leftovers is simple, and reheating maintains the taste.

Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to try new things. Enjoy your cooking journey!

$To make Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you should gather: - 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this dish. The gnocchi adds a soft and pillowy texture. Chicken provides protein and heartiness. Olive oil helps in cooking and adds flavor. Spinach and cherry tomatoes bring freshness and color. Heavy cream creates that rich, creamy base. Basil pesto gives it a vibrant, herbaceous kick. Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish. Seasonings tie everything together, and fresh basil makes the dish pop visually and tastefully. Now that you have your ingredients, you're ready to dive into the cooking process! Sautéing Chicken Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Look for the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Adding Vegetables Next, add 2 cups of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything well to mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and add flavor. Incorporating Cream and Pesto Lower the heat a bit. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine it with the chicken and veggies. Then, add in 1/2 cup of basil pesto. This step brings all the flavors together and creates a creamy base. Cooking Gnocchi Now, add 1 pound of gnocchi directly into the pot. Gently stir to ensure each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes. You want the gnocchi to be heated through and the sauce to thicken a little. Mixing in Cheese Finally, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and taste. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. - Ensuring Chicken is Cooked To make sure your chicken cooks well, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. You want a nice golden color and no pink inside. Use a meat thermometer, and aim for 165°F (75°C) to be safe. - Achieving the Right Creamy Consistency For creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir as you pour to combine it well with the other ingredients. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it smooth and pourable. - Selecting the Best Gnocchi Choose gnocchi that is fresh or of good quality. If you pick store-bought, look for brands with simple ingredients. Homemade gnocchi is a fun option too, but it requires extra time. Either way, they should be light and fluffy when cooked. - Ideal Pairings This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad. A light vinaigrette can add a nice touch. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water works great. - Presentation Tips Serve your dish in shallow bowls. This makes it look more appealing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It adds color and invites everyone to dig in! {{image_2}} Low-Fat Alternatives You can swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. This change cuts calories while keeping some creaminess. For cheese, use a lower-fat version of Parmesan. This works well for a lighter dish without losing flavor. Vegetable Add-ins Add more veggies for color and nutrients. Try zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty touch. These additions blend well with the chicken and pesto, creating a more vibrant meal. Adding Spices For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This simple step gives your dish a nice warmth. You might also try garlic powder or Italian herbs. These spices boost flavor without overpowering the creamy pesto. Alternative Sauces If you want a twist, use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto. This gives a rich, tangy taste. Another option is adding a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing to your dish. Refrigerating After enjoying your creamy pesto chicken gnocchi, cool any leftovers first. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Freezing Options If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great choice. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Best Methods to Reheat The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Pour the gnocchi into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it warm up. Stir gently until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Yes, you can use homemade gnocchi. It adds a personal touch and great flavor. Just make sure it is cooked right before adding it to the sauce. Fresh gnocchi will cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce well. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can cut into a piece to check. The meat should be white, not pink. If you see any pink, cook it a bit longer. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Mix in some cornstarch to thicken it. This will help you achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream. This article covers a simple recipe with tasty ingredients like chicken and gnocchi. You learned the steps to cook this dish, from sautéing chicken to mixing in cheese. Helpful tips ensure your meal comes out great, and variations let you customize it easily. Storing leftovers is simple, and reheating maintains the taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Don't hesitate to try new things. Enjoy your cooking journey!$