If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then let me share with you my absolute favorite Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. This dish brings together pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a vibrant pesto cream sauce that’s bursting with fresh, herby goodness. It’s brightened up with a hint of lemon and finished with Parmesan and pine nuts for that ultimate flavor combination. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe lies in its elegantly simple ingredients. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s the juicy chicken bringing savory depth, or the pesto adding that fresh, nutty punch. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this come to life.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the chicken and golden gnocchi texture.
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay tender when cooked.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the gnocchi.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps soften the gnocchi while cooking without adding excess oil.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory flavor and prevents the sauce from getting too thick.
- ½ cup prepared pesto sauce: Bursts of fresh basil, pine nuts, and garlic intensified in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon) and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest: Brings a refreshing, zesty brightness that balances the creaminess.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Final touch to season the sauce perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty topping that melts into the dish wonderfully.
- Toasted pine nuts: Adds delightful crunch and an earthy flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced: Garnishes with a pop of herbal freshness and color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook these for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to develop a nice golden color on the outside while reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken to a separate plate—this keeps the skillet ready for your next step without overcrowding.
Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your gnocchi. Sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until each pillowy piece is turning a gorgeous golden brown. Add the finely minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will take your sauce’s aroma up several notches. Splash in 2 tablespoons of water and continue cooking for another minute or two to soften the gnocchi perfectly. Then, bring those golden gnocchi over to the plate with your cooked chicken.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
It’s time to build the creamy pesto sauce that makes this recipe stand out. Without rinsing the pan, add your heavy cream, chicken broth, and prepared pesto sauce right into the skillet. Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined, then crank the heat to high just until it boils. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and intensify all those lovely flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now that your sauce is ready, return the chicken and gnocchi back into the skillet. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to marry over gentle heat for 2 to 3 more minutes. This final step ensures that every bite is coated in creamy, zesty, pesto-infused goodness.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything’s heated through and the flavors have blended, it’s time to plate up your masterpiece. The warm, creamy, and dreamy Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add those beautiful finishing touches that make every bite extra special. Sprinkle plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for its salty richness. Toss on some toasted pine nuts to bring a satisfying crunch and a deep nuttiness. Finally, scatter thin slices of fresh basil leaves to add a pop of vibrant green color and herbal aroma.
Side Dishes
A dish as rich and flavorful as this calls for simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess perfectly. Or, consider serving roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a touch of earthiness alongside the dish. Crusty bread is also a fabulous option to scoop up every last bit of that amazing pesto cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress your guests, serve the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe in shallow bowls and arrange the gnocchi and chicken artfully. Drizzle an extra spoonful of pesto over the top, then finish each plate with a little basil chiffonade and pine nut scatter. For a cozy dinner, light some candles and add rustic earthenware dishes to set the mood and make the presentation truly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this recipe are a wonderful thing. Allow the food to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its rich flavors or creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if you want to enjoy this comforting meal later. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dive in again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its silky texture. Microwave reheating works too; just stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work fine, but remember it tends to dry out faster than thighs. Keep an eye on your cooking time and avoid overcooking to keep your chicken tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more gnocchi or your favorite veggies such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. You can also swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Definitely—homemade pesto will add fresh, vibrant flavor that’s hard to beat. Just make sure it’s well balanced and not too oily to keep the sauce consistency just right.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and comforting by design. If you love a bit of spice, feel free to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the garlic or finish with a drizzle of chili oil. It adds a wonderful kick without overwhelming the dish.
What type of gnocchi is best for this dish?
Traditional potato gnocchi works beautifully here because it soaks up the sauce and maintains a fluffy texture. Avoid pre-frozen gnocchi that can get mushy; fresh or refrigerated gnocchi yield the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe truly feels like a special treat that comes together in under 30 minutes. Its rich, comforting cream sauce combined with fresh pesto, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi is sure to become a trusted favorite in your meal rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how easy and delicious a dinner like this can be!
Print
Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy chicken pesto gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken thighs, pillowy golden gnocchi, and a luscious pesto cream sauce infused with fresh lemon zest. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dinner option that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures with every bite.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Produce & Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Dairy
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for sauce melting)
- Toasted pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus ¼ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon salt for sauce and final seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus additional ¼ teaspoon black pepper)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until chicken is browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken to a clean plate.
- Prepare the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the gnocchi. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is lightly golden. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 tablespoons water and cook another 1-2 minutes until gnocchi is tender. Transfer gnocchi to the plate with chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In the skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, and prepared pesto sauce. Stir everything until combined, then increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet with sauce. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well incorporated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pesto gnocchi and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
- Using prepared pesto saves time; homemade pesto works equally well.
- If gnocchi is store-bought and frozen, thaw before cooking or adjust cook time accordingly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper.
- Toasted pine nuts add great crunch, but you can omit them if allergic or unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
