Savory Italian Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken and Pesto Recipe

Comfort arrives in a skillet with this hearty Italian gnocchi skillet with chicken and pesto that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Soft potato dumplings nestle perfectly alongside tender, juicy chicken pieces.

Each bite delivers a burst of vibrant herb-infused flavors that dance across your palate.

The rich, verdant pesto sauce coats every ingredient with its luxurious green embrace.

Fresh basil and parmesan cheese add depth and complexity to this robust dish.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet spectacular meal that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

Let’s find out a plate of pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 5

What Makes Italian Gnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto Special

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that create a hearty foundation for the dish, choose shelf-stable or fresh varieties for best texture and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and adds rich Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for premium taste.

• Perdue Short Cuts Chicken: Convenient pre-cooked protein that saves preparation time, ensures consistent tenderness and flavor.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy element that adds luxurious richness and distinctive Mediterranean character.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with sweet-tart juice, add vibrant color and fresh complexity to the skillet, select ripe and firm specimens.
• Baby Spinach: Delicate leafy green that wilts beautifully, provides nutritional boost and earthy undertones.
• Pesto: Concentrated herb sauce delivering intense basil and garlic flavors, choose high-quality brands for authentic taste.
• Parsley, Basil: Optional aromatic herbs that elevate presentation and provide bright, fresh finishing notes.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and heightens overall dish flavor.

Tools to Cook Gnocchi, Chicken, and Pesto Together

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and coating gnocchi with pesto.
• Colander: Needed to drain gnocchi after cooking.
• Cutting board: Use for prepping chicken and chopping herbs.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing chicken and garnishing with herbs.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure salt and pepper for seasoning.
• Cooking tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken while cooking.

How to Make This Skillet Meal Quickly and Well

• Gnocchi Preparation

Boil the delicate potato dumplings following the package guidance until they float and become tender, then carefully drain them.

• Chicken Sizzle

Warm a skillet with a splash of oil, then introduce the chicken pieces. Season generously with your favorite herbs and spices, cooking until golden and fully done.

• Flavor Fusion

Pour the vibrant green pesto into the skillet, creating a rich and aromatic base. Gently fold in the cooked gnocchi and chicken, ensuring every morsel gets a delicious coating.

• Creamy Finale

Crumble soft goat cheese across the top of the skillet, letting it melt slightly into the warm dish. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright, final touch. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and inviting.

Tips to Keep Gnocchi Tender and Chicken Juicy

• Swap goat cheese with creamy ricotta or tangy feta for a different flavor profile that complements the pesto beautifully.
• Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to add extra nutrition and color to the skillet meal.
• Prepare the chicken and pesto mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Quickly reheat and add fresh gnocchi when ready to serve for a speedy weeknight dinner.
• Replace chicken with crispy pancetta, seared shrimp, or plant-based protein like white beans for a versatile and satisfying alternative that keeps the dish exciting.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your pesto is made without traditional wheat-based ingredients to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Gnocchi Pesto Chicken Meals

• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Serve this gnocchi skillet on a large wooden board with extra fresh basil scattered on top for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle additional crumbled goat cheese or shaved parmesan around the skillet to enhance the creamy texture and add extra tangy flavor that complements the pesto perfectly.
• Fresh Green Boost: Top the dish with crisp arugula leaves or fresh baby spinach just before serving to add a peppery brightness and increase the nutritional value of the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this hearty skillet with a chilled glass of crisp pinot grigio or a light sauvignon blanc to balance the rich pesto and creamy goat cheese notes.

How to Store and Reheat Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

• Quick Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gnocchi and chicken maintain their delicious texture best when refrigerated promptly after cooling.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and gnocchi during the initial preparation. These ingredients blend perfectly for quick lunches or next-day dinners, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the skillet dish into individual containers before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the original flavor and texture.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and keep the gnocchi soft and delectable.

Creamy Italian Gnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting Italian gnocchi skillet with chicken and pesto brings classic Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens. Creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory chicken combine for a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 (9 oz/255 g) Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 lb (454 g) shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi
• 1 pint (473 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) store-bought pesto
• 2 tsps (10 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps chopped parsley and/or basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gnocchi Preparation: Cook packaged gnocchi according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
3. Chicken Rest: Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm, preserving its moisture and temperature.
4. Pesto Integration: Reduce skillet heat and introduce pesto sauce, creating an aromatic base across the cooking surface.
5. Final Combination: Fold cooked gnocchi and chicken into the pesto, ensuring complete sauce coverage and even distribution.
6. Cheese Finalization: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the skillet contents, allowing gentle melting to create a creamy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optional herb garnish with parsley or basil, then plate immediately while the dish remains hot and flavorful.

Notes

• Gnocchi Cooking Tip: Always follow package instructions precisely to prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy or falling apart during preparation.
• Chicken Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring food safety and perfect doneness.
• Pesto Distribution Technique: Stir pesto thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly, preventing clumping and creating balanced flavor in each bite.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Add crumbled goat cheese off direct heat to achieve a creamy, slightly melted texture without completely breaking down the cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg