My One-Pan Wonder
Let me tell you about my One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Gnocchi. It is a lifesaver on busy nights. You just need one pan from start to finish. I love that. Less washing up means more time for stories.
This creamy pesto chicken is so simple. The basil pesto sauce makes it feel fancy. But it is really an easy one-pan dinner. Do you have a favorite quick weeknight meal? I would love to hear about it.
Why This Dish Matters
Good food brings people together. That is why this matters. This chicken and gnocchi recipe is a warm, happy dish. It fills your kitchen with the best smells. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
It also matters because it is forgiving. Use chicken breast recipes or thighs. Use spinach or kale. Cooking should not be stressful. This one-pan chicken gnocchi is about joy, not rules.
A Little Story for You
My grandson once called gnocchi “little pillow clouds.” I still laugh at that. He helped me make this potato gnocchi recipe. He was so proud to sprinkle the cheese on top.
That is the magic. Cooking together makes memories. The creamy pesto sauce bubbling in the pan made his eyes light up. What food reminds you of a happy memory? Share it with me.
Fun Fact & Flavor Tips
*Fun fact*: Gnocchi is an Italian word. It is pronounced “NYOH-kee.” It means little lumps. But I like “pillow clouds” much better!
For the best flavor, let it rest after baking. Wait five minutes. This lets the creamy sauce settle. The first bite will be perfect. Do you prefer mozzarella or Parmesan on top? I use both!
Your New Family Dinner Idea
This is my go-to family dinner idea now. Everything cooks together in one pan. The tomatoes get sweet. The greens wilt into the sauce. It just works.
I hope you try it. It is cozy and creamy. What is your family’s most-requested dinner? Tell me in the comments. Let’s swap our best ideas. Happy cooking makes a happy home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs, cubed | 1 lb | |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | |
| Salt, pepper, and garlic powder | to taste | |
| Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi | 1 (16-oz) package | |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | halved |
| Spinach or kale | 2 cups | |
| Light cream or half & half | 1 cup | |
| Basil pesto | ½ cup | |
| Shredded mozzarella | ½ cup | for topping only |
| Grated Parmesan | 2 tbsp | plus extra for serving |
Instructions
Step 1: First, brown your chicken. Heat the oil in your big, oven-safe skillet. Season the chicken well. Cook it until it’s golden and smells wonderful. This is the start of our easy one-pan dinner. (Tip: Let the chicken get a good sear before moving it. It adds so much flavor!)
Step 2: Now, build your creamy pesto sauce. Add the gnocchi and tomatoes right to the pan. Pour in the cream and pesto, and stir. The basil pesto sauce will make your kitchen smell amazing. Gently mix in the spinach until it wilts. What’s your favorite green to add? Spinach or kale? Share below!
Step 3: Let everything get cozy. Simmer your one-pan chicken gnocchi for a few minutes. The creamy pesto sauce will start to thicken. The potato gnocchi recipe begins to work its magic. I love watching the sauce bubble. It means it’s almost time for the best part.
Step 4: Time for the cheesy blanket! Sprinkle all that mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Pop the whole skillet into a hot oven. Bake until it’s golden and bubbly. This makes the best family dinner ideas so simple. (Always use oven mitts. The skillet handle gets very hot!)
Step 5: Patience, my dear! Let your One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Gnocchi rest for five minutes. This helps the creamy pesto sauce settle. Then, dish it up! I still laugh at how fast this chicken and gnocchi recipe disappears. Everyone always asks for seconds.
Creative Twists
This creamy pesto chicken is so fun to play with. Try these easy twists for your next quick weeknight meal. Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a sweet, tangy kick. Swap the chicken for Italian sausage for a heartier flavor. Add a handful of artichoke hearts for a lovely, tender bite. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This one-pan chicken gnocchi is a full meal. But a simple side makes it perfect. I love a crisp green salad with a lemony dressing. A slice of crusty bread is great for soaking up the creamy pesto sauce. For a pretty plate, garnish with extra fresh basil. Doesn’t that sound lovely? Which would you choose tonight?
Make It Now, Enjoy It Later
Let’s talk about storing your creamy pesto chicken. This dish keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container once it’s cool. The flavors get even friendlier overnight.
You can freeze it for a busy month. Use a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. I once froze a batch for my grandson’s visit. He loved it just as much the second time.
Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk. The oven works too, covered with foil. This keeps your one-pan dinner creamy and delicious. Batch cooking matters. It gives you a night off from dishes. It also means a warm meal is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Every cook faces a few little problems. Your sauce might look too thin. Just let it simmer a bit longer uncovered. The extra heat will thicken it right up.
Is your chicken drying out? I remember when this happened to me. Do not overcook it in the first step. It will finish cooking in the creamy pesto sauce. This keeps it juicy and tender for your family dinner.
If the gnocchi seems too soft, bake it straight from the package. Do not boil it first. This easy one-pan dinner is very forgiving. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your chicken and gnocchi recipe perfect. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make creamy pesto chicken gnocchi?
This one-pan chicken gnocchi is simple. Brown seasoned chicken in your skillet. Add uncooked potato gnocchi, tomatoes, cream, and basil pesto sauce. Stir in spinach, simmer, then top with cheese and bake. The result is a cozy, creamy pesto chicken dish. It’s a guaranteed quick weeknight meal the whole family will ask for again.
What is the best way to cook gnocchi for this dish?
The best way is the easiest. For this potato gnocchi recipe, do not boil it first. Add the gnocchi straight from the package to the skillet. It cooks perfectly in the creamy pesto sauce while baking. This prevents sogginess and gives it a lovely texture. It’s the secret to the perfect easy one-pan dinner.
Can I use store-bought pesto for creamy pesto chicken?
Absolutely. A good-quality store-bought basil pesto sauce works wonderfully. It saves so much time for a quick weeknight meal. Just give it a quick stir before you measure it. The oil sometimes separates. Using what you have makes this chicken and gnocchi recipe stress-free and doable any night of the week.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in pesto chicken?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter touch. Whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour works too. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk. Any of these will still give you a lovely, creamy pesto sauce. It makes these chicken breast recipes flexible for everyone at your table.
How do I prevent my gnocchi from becoming gummy?
The key is to not overcook it. Remember, do not boil gnocchi before adding it. Let it cook just once in the sauce. Also, avoid stirring too much after adding it. Gentle folding is best. This keeps your one-pan creamy pesto chicken & gnocchi delightfully tender, not gummy.
What sides go well with creamy pesto chicken and gnocchi?
A simple green salad or garlic bread are perfect. The salad adds a fresh crunch. The bread is great for soaking up the extra creamy pesto sauce. Steamed green beans or broccoli also pair nicely. These easy sides round out your meal into one of the best family dinner ideas.
*Fun fact: Gnocchi are little Italian dumplings. Their name comes from a word meaning “knuckle”!* Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy dish as much as we do. It truly is a lifesaver on busy evenings. Sharing these recipes and stories with you brings me so much joy.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me all about it in the comments. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for your family.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Creamy Pesto Chicken with Gnocchi
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a creamy pesto sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
- Add uncooked gnocchi and cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the light cream and pesto, stirring until evenly coated. Gently fold in the spinach or kale until slightly wilted.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi begin to soften.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the light cream with whole milk or a milk-alternative. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a deeper flavor.