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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet with the chicken, stirring until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- 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.
- Carefully fold the prepared gnocchi into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is gently coated with the sauce and heated through.
- 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