Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This creamy chicken gnocchi pesto recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that combines the comfort of creamy pesto sauce with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade – recipe below!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Homemade Pesto Recipe (Optional):
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
In the same skillet, add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Stir in the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet with the gnocchi. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the creamy pesto sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Pesto:
- Don't overcook the gnocchi! They can easily become mushy if overcooked. Follow the package directions carefully.
- Use high-quality pesto. The flavor of the pesto will be the star of this dish, so using a good quality pesto (homemade or store-bought) will make a big difference.
- Add some spice! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian! Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian option.
Variations:
- Sun-dried Tomato Pesto: Substitute sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: If you prefer, you can use a creamy tomato sauce instead of pesto.
- Spinach and Artichoke: Add a can of drained artichoke hearts and a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This chicken gnocchi pesto recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be easy to make. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations with us! Happy cooking!