Zesty Italian Chicken Pesto Recipe: Fresh Flavors Unleashed
Sizzling aromas of basil and garlic dance through the kitchen with this irresistible pesto chicken recipe that combines classic Italian flavors.
Tender chicken breasts coated in vibrant pesto sauce promise a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of herbaceous notes and succulent protein.
The simple yet sophisticated dish comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Fresh ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.
Bright pesto transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Serving Pesto Chicken Italian-Style
Gourmet Dinner Party Centerpiece: Elevate this dish by serving it on a large rustic wooden platter, creating a stunning visual presentation that invites guests to dig in and share.
Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich pesto and creamy goat cheese with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the flavors and enhance the meal's sophistication.
Fresh Side Salad Companion: Prepare a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to add a bright, zesty contrast that cuts through the dish's creamy texture and adds a refreshing element to the plate.
Bread Basket Delight: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic crostini on the side to soak up the delicious pesto sauce and provide an extra layer of texture to the meal.
Meal Storage Tips for Italian Pesto Chicken
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Italian chicken and pesto gnocchi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent gnocchi from becoming tough, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredient Separation Tip: If possible, store cheese and herbs separately from main dish to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess, adding fresh garnishes just before serving for best flavor and appearance.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 490 kcal
Servings: 5
Italian Chicken and Pesto Ingredients
For Base Ingredients:
Shelf-Stable Potato or Cauliflower Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta that provides a hearty foundation with a delightful texture and quick cooking time.
Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast: Perfectly pre-cooked protein that saves time and delivers consistent, juicy chicken flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Pesto, Olive Oil: Rich, aromatic sauce that adds Mediterranean zest and smooth richness to the dish.
Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances all other ingredient flavors.
For Fresh Accents:
Baby Spinach Leaves: Tender, nutritious greens that bring vibrant color and mild earthy undertones.
Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with sweet-tangy juice and add bright color to the overall presentation.
Parsley and/or Basil: Optional herb garnish that introduces a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.
For Creamy Elements:
Goat Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that provides a luxurious, creamy counterpoint to the other ingredients.
Pesto Chicken Cooking Equipment Needed
Large Kettle: Essential for boiling water and cooking gnocchi quickly.
Colander: Perfect for draining gnocchi without losing small pieces.
Skillet: Robust pan to sauté chicken, spinach, and tomatoes with even heat.
Measuring Tablespoon: Helps precisely add pesto in consistent amounts.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently folding ingredients and preventing gnocchi from breaking.
Cutting Board: Useful for chopping parsley or basil for garnish.
Sharp Knife: Helps prepare garnish and check chicken doneness.
How to Make Italian Chicken with Pesto
Water Preparation Bring a large pot to a rolling boil, creating a bubbling cauldron for the gnocchi to swim in. Gently drop the soft potato pillows into the hot liquid, letting them dance for just a moment before rescuing them with a strainer.
Flavor Infusion Coat the gnocchi with a silky green pesto blanket, reserving some of the starchy cooking water to help everything mingle smoothly. Set aside these tender morsels while you craft the main attraction.
Chicken and Greens Performance Heat a skillet until it whispers with warmth. Introduce tender chicken pieces, allowing them to sizzle and transform. Welcome crisp spinach leaves that will wilt into a vibrant emerald embrace.
Tomato and Pesto Symphony Scatter juicy tomatoes across the skillet, then drizzle with more of the verdant pesto. If the mixture seems shy, invite some reserved cooking water to create a harmonious sauce.
Final Composition Lovingly reunite the gnocchi with the skillet's contents, letting each element get acquainted. Crown the dish with creamy goat cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of garden-fresh brightness.
Tips for Flavor-Rich Chicken and Pesto
Swap traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper pesto for a tangy flavor twist that elevates the entire dish.
Replace goat cheese with crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella to create different creamy textures and taste profiles that complement the chicken and pesto.
Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, sliced turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a versatile meal that suits various dietary preferences.
Expand the vegetable lineup by adding roasted zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to boost nutrition and add extra layers of flavor to the classic recipe.
Use gluten-free gnocchi or replace gnocchi with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter, wheat-free version of this delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Hearty Italian chicken pesto delivers Mediterranean flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. Bold garlic and basil notes blend perfectly, inviting home cooks to savor authentic Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
2 packages (9 oz/255 g) Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
1 pound (454 g) shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi
6 oz (170 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
1 pint (473 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled
6 tbsps store-bought pesto
2 teaspoons olive oil
0.5 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Gnocchi Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then delicately drop gnocchi and cook until they rise to the surface, about 30 seconds. Drain and toss with extra virgin olive oil to prevent clumping, then generously coat with pesto. Reserve some cooking water for later use.
Chicken Searing: Heat a spacious skillet and cook chicken over medium-high heat until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
Vegetable Integration: Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until leaves wilt and become tender. Add cherry tomatoes and an additional portion of pesto, gently combining with chicken and spinach. Modulate sauce consistency by incorporating reserved cooking water as needed.
Final Assembly: Gently fold prepared gnocchi into the skillet, ensuring thorough coating and even heating. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the dish, allowing gentle melting from residual heat. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for vibrant presentation and enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
Prevent Gnocchi Sticking: Immediately toss gnocchi with olive oil after draining to stop clumping and ensure smooth texture.
Perfect Chicken Browning: Cook chicken over medium-high heat for golden color, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Create Silky Sauce: Use reserved cooking water to thin pesto sauce, creating a light, glossy coating that clings perfectly to gnocchi and chicken.
Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese just before serving, letting residual heat gently soften the cheese without completely melting it.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.