Merken Experience the ultimate Italian comfort with this Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken. This dish features tender, pan-crisped potato gnocchi tossed in a luxuriously rich basil pesto cream sauce, complemented by juicy, golden-brown chicken bites. It is a quick and satisfying meal that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table in just over half an hour.
Merken The key to this dish is the preparation of the gnocchi. Instead of boiling them, sautéing them in butter allows them to develop a beautiful golden crust and a firm texture that stands up perfectly to the velvety cream sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into 1-inch cubes, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Gnocchi: 500 g (18 oz) store-bought potato gnocchi
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the gnocchi. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are golden and crisp on the outside.
- Step 4
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Step 6
- Stir in the pesto and Parmesan; mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 7
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 8
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your skillet is large enough so the gnocchi can brown evenly without being crowded. If the pan is too full, they will steam rather than crisp up. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter; just a minute until fragrant is plenty.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version of this meal, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add a handful of fresh baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Serve it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pesto sauce.
Merken Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, these Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken are sure to satisfy. Enjoy the harmonious blend of crispy textures and savory, herbal notes in every bite.
