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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
- 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).
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet and keep it warm, maintaining its optimal temperature and moisture.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce vibrant, aromatic pesto sauce, stirring to spread the herbaceous mixture evenly across the pan’s surface.
- Gently fold the cooked gnocchi and prepared chicken into the pesto, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Crumble creamy goat cheese over the skillet’s contents, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and create a luxurious texture.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or delicate basil leaves for an additional layer of color and fragrance.
- 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