The Perfect Italian Chicken and Pesto Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Italian chicken and pesto creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate ingredients blend harmoniously, revolutionizeing an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Aromatic herbs and rich, creamy textures intertwine seamlessly, promising a sensory experience beyond typical weeknight dinners.

Robust proteins mingle with velvety sauces, elevating each forkful with complex, layered nuances.

Nutritious elements combine effortlessly, ensuring a balanced and satisfying plate that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Regional cooking traditions shine through this elegant preparation, highlighting the art of simple yet sophisticated cuisine.

You’ll be captivated by the remarkable depth and brightness of these carefully selected ingredients.

Flavorful Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this Italian chicken and pesto dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave delicious, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of pesto's rich herbal notes, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy goat cheese creates a vibrant taste profile that dances across your palate with each bite.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with 30g of protein, this balanced meal offers a healthy mix of carbohydrates and lean protein, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
• Textural Delight: Experience a satisfying blend of textures – pillowy gnocchi, crisp spinach, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken – that keeps every forkful interesting and enjoyable.

Must-Have Ingredients for Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that form the base of this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and complements the pesto sauce.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce made with basil, providing rich herbal flavor and binding the dish together.
• Vegetables: Spinach, Tomatoes: Fresh greens and juicy tomatoes that add color, nutrition, and bright flavor to the meal.
• Cheese: Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy topping that adds a luxurious finish and contrasting texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent gnocchi from sticking and adds smooth richness.
• Herbs: Parsley, Basil: Optional fresh herbs that bring additional aromatic freshness and color to the dish.
• Salt: Basic seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.

How to Make Italian Chicken with Pesto

Step 1: Prepare Gnocchi Base

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently add gnocchi and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until they float to the surface. Quickly drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil. Coat the gnocchi with of vibrant pesto. Set aside of the starchy cooking water for later use.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Vegetables

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and nearly done. Toss in fresh spinach and sauté until it wilts and becomes tender. Introduce juicy tomatoes and of pesto to the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, splash in the reserved cooking water to create a silky sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Finish the Dish

Carefully fold the prepared gnocchi into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Ensure everything is well combined and heated through. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top for a creamy finish. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or fragrant basil leaves (optional).

Tips for Perfecting Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Master Gnocchi Timing: Cook gnocchi for precisely 30 seconds to maintain perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Prevent Sticking: Immediately toss cooked gnocchi with olive oil to keep them from clumping together.
• Layer Pesto Flavor: Distribute pesto in stages – first with gnocchi, then with chicken and vegetables for deep, balanced taste.
• Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Keep cooking water to adjust sauce consistency, helping ingredients blend smoothly.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Carefully mix gnocchi into the chicken mixture to preserve delicate pasta shape and prevent breaking.

Storing and Reheating Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal leftover Italian chicken and pesto gnocchi in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezer Method: Carefully transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Properly sealed meals maintain their delicious taste and texture when frozen correctly.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated or thawed meals in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to prevent gnocchi from breaking. Add a splash of water or extra pesto to restore moisture and prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and delectable warmth.

Pairing Suggestions for Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the pesto's herbal notes and cuts through the richness of the goat cheese, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic offers a crunchy texture that perfectly soaks up the pesto sauce and adds a delightful contrast to the soft gnocchi.
• Add Fresh Salad Side: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a zesty, peppery element that brightens the dish and provides a clean, fresh counterpoint to the creamy chicken and pesto.
• Include Sparkling Water: A chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon enhances the meal's flavors, cleanses the palate, and adds a subtle citrus touch that complements the dish's herbal and savory profile.

Variations of Italian Chicken with Pesto

• Mediterranean Zest: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to the plate.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted eggplant and zucchini, using plant-based pesto to create a hearty meat-free alternative packed with Mediterranean vegetables.
• Spicy Herbaceous Blend: Incorporate red pepper flakes and swap goat cheese with feta, adding chopped fresh oregano to give the dish a bold, vibrant kick that tingles taste buds.
• Creamy Autumn Remix: Use butternut squash instead of tomatoes, add crispy sage leaves, and mix in mascarpone cheese for a rich, seasonal interpretation that celebrates fall's warmth.

Italian Chicken and Pesto Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Italian chicken pesto promises a Mediterranean flavor adventure. Creamy basil sauce and tender chicken create a simple yet elegant meal that transports palates straight to Italy’s charming countryside.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi
• 2 packages (9 ounces/255 grams each) Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved

Cheese and Garnish:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or basil for garnish (optional)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 6 tablespoons store-bought pesto
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water and carefully add the gnocchi, cooking for approximately 30 seconds until they float to the surface.
2. Drain the gnocchi in a colander and immediately toss with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Coat the gnocchi thoroughly with of pesto, ensuring even distribution. Set aside of the cooking water for later use.
3. In a spacious skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches a golden brown color and is cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet with the chicken, stirring until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
5. Introduce cherry tomatoes and an additional of pesto to the skillet, gently mixing with the chicken and spinach. If the mixture appears dry, gradually incorporate the reserved cooking water to create a light sauce.
6. Carefully fold the prepared gnocchi into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is gently coated with the sauce and heated through.
7. Crumble goat cheese over the top of the dish, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual heat. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves for added color and flavor.

Notes

• Swap out gnocchi for your favorite pasta shape if desired for a personalized twist.
• Cooking chicken thoroughly ensures food safety, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Fresh spinach provides vibrant color and nutrient boost, wilting quickly in hot skillet.
• Goat cheese crumbles add tangy richness, melting slightly from residual dish heat.
• Store leftover pesto in airtight container for up to one week, perfect for quick meal prep.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg