The Perfect Italian Gnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto Recipe

Gnocchi chicken pesto redefines ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances across your taste buds.

Soft, cloud-like potato dumplings nestle alongside succulent chicken pieces in a luscious green embrace.

Mediterranean flavors weave magic through this comforting one-pan wonder, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Light yet substantial, this skillet creation balances creamy textures with bright herbal notes that awaken the palate.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of proteins and aromatic herbs that elevate simple cooking to an art form.

Pantry-friendly ingredients collaborate to craft a dish that speaks of rustic elegance and effortless charm.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this meal guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy, Herby Goodness

• Master Gnocchi Texture: Pat the gnocchi dry after cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when sautéing in the skillet.
• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian herbs or garlic before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.
• Pesto Perfection: Use high-quality, fresh basil pesto for a more vibrant and authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Crumble goat cheese while it's slightly cold to help it distribute more evenly across the dish.
• Quick Herb Garnish: Chop fresh parsley or basil just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and bright green color.

Store and Reheat with That Fresh-from-the-Skillet Taste

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Gently place the gnocchi skillet contents in a sealed container, keeping the dish flat to maintain texture. Refrigerated gnocchi will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness and restore moisture to the gnocchi and chicken.
• Stovetop Revival: Reheat the entire skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Drizzle extra pesto or a tablespoon of olive oil to refresh flavors and prevent sticking. Heat until the dish reaches 165°F for food safety and optimal taste.

What Works with Gnocchi and Pesto Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the rich pesto and creamy goat cheese, cutting through the dish's richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty gnocchi, balancing the skillet's creamy and savory elements.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread helps soak up the delicious pesto sauce, adding a delightful crunch and extra garlic flavor to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A crisp, bubbly sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the dish's herbal and cheesy flavors.

Fresh Gnocchi Variations to Keep Things Interesting

• Seafood Fusion Gnocchi: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp or tender salmon, creating a light Mediterranean-inspired dish with a delicate seafood flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Garden Gnocchi: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, adding a colorful and nutritious plant-based alternative that maintains the recipe's creamy pesto essence.
• Spicy Chorizo Gnocchi: Introduce crispy Spanish chorizo instead of chicken, bringing bold, smoky heat and rich paprika undertones that complement the pesto's herbal notes.
• Mushroom Truffle Gnocchi: Incorporate wild mushrooms like porcini or shiitake and drizzle truffle oil for an earthy, luxurious version that elevates the classic recipe with gourmet ingredients.

Why Italian Gnocchi with Chicken and Pesto Feels So Comforting

• Whip Up a One-Pan Wonder: This skillet dish eliminates multiple cooking steps, making dinner preparation a breeze with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Combining tender chicken and soft gnocchi creates a satisfying dish that delivers substantial nutrition and keeps you full with 35g of protein.
• Elevate with Creamy Pesto Magic: The vibrant pesto sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, coating each gnocchi and chicken piece with rich, herbal Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.
• Quick Gourmet Weeknight Solution: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe offers a sophisticated dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks craving something delicious and elegant.

Pantry Must-Haves for This Italian Skillet

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish, preferably boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that provide a pillowy texture and serve as the main carbohydrate component of the dish.

• Pesto: Classic Italian sauce with basil, garlic, and olive oil that coats the gnocchi and chicken with vibrant green color and herbal taste.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and a subtle tang to the skillet.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds a smooth base for sautéing.

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright herbs that provide a fresh finish and additional color to the dish.

How to Sauté and Simmer to Gnocchi Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Gnocchi

Boil gnocchi following package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a warm plate.

Step 3: Create Pesto Sauce

• Cooked gnocchi
• Prepared chicken

Ensure everything is evenly coated with the vibrant green pesto sauce.

Step 4: Add Creamy Cheese Topping

Crumble goat cheese across the skillet, allowing it to melt slightly. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and added flavor.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer skillet directly to the table and serve piping hot. Enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired comfort meal that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich pesto sauce.

Italian Gnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade Italian gnocchi skillet combines tender chicken and rich pesto in a mouthwatering one-pan meal. Creamy sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and pillowy potato dumplings invite you to savor authentic Italian comfort on a plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Components:

• 2 (9 ounces/255 grams) Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
• 4 ounces (113 grams) goat cheese, crumbled

Gnocchi and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh baby spinach leaves

Seasonings and Oils:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) store-bought pesto
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare packaged gnocchi following the manufacturer’s recommended cooking method, ensuring they are tender and fully cooked. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve to the side.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
3. Place seasoned chicken pieces into the heated skillet, generously sprinkling with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the chicken until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches a complete cooking temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet and keep it warm, maintaining its optimal temperature and moisture.
5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce vibrant, aromatic pesto sauce, stirring to spread the herbaceous mixture evenly across the pan’s surface.
6. Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and prepared chicken into the pesto, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.
7. Crumble creamy goat cheese over the skillet’s contents, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and create a luxurious texture.
8. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or delicate basil leaves for an additional layer of color and fragrance.
9. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, delivering maximum flavor and culinary satisfaction.

Notes

• Gnocchi absorbs the vibrant pesto sauce, creating a luxurious coating that clings to every pillow-soft dumpling.
• Tender chicken pieces blend seamlessly with the herbal pesto, providing protein-packed bites in each forkful.
• Creamy goat cheese melts slightly, adding tangy richness that cuts through the herb-infused sauce.
• Quick 20-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave restaurant-quality comfort food.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil contribute a bright, final touch that elevates the entire dish’s visual and flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg