If you’re craving a quick yet seriously comforting weeknight dinner, the Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe is sure to become an absolute favorite in your kitchen. This dish wraps pillowy gnocchi, tender golden chicken, and a vibrant pesto-Parmesan cream sauce together with juicy cherry tomatoes and bright green spinach. It’s rich without being heavy, impossibly flavorful, and on the table in just over half an hour—perfect for busy nights or when you just can’t wait for something truly delicious. Every bite delivers a wonderful blend of savory, herby, and creamy flavors that make this meal steal the show, all while staying beginner-friendly and fuss-free.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a supporting (or starring!) role to ensure you get tons of flavor, a velvety texture, and that irresistible pop of color in every bowl.

Potato Gnocchi (1 lb): Go for shelf-stable or fresh; these soft dumplings soak up the pesto cream and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A must for searing the chicken and starting things off with a lovely Mediterranean base.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb, cut into bite-size pieces): Lean and quick-cooking, they provide hearty protein in every forkful.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the dish.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that lifts the creamy flavors without overpowering them.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): For an aromatic depth that makes the kitchen smell incredible.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Delivers an ultra-creamy sauce that feels downright luxurious.
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce and brings a savory backbone to every bite.
Prepared Basil Pesto (1/2 cup): Packed with fresh, herby flavor—store-bought is convenient, but homemade is divine if you have the time.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): For salty, nutty notes that melt beautifully into the sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes, halved (1 cup): They burst with freshness and give the dish a sweet, summery brightness.
Fresh Spinach (2 cups): Adds color and a healthy boost, wilting perfectly into the creamy sauce.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a glossy finish and rounds out the flavors.
Fresh Basil, chopped (2 tablespoons for garnish): Sprinkled over the top, it brings an extra hit of fragrance and color.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions—typically just a few minutes, until they start to float. Drain them well and set aside while you work on the rest of the magic.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Let them sear for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for the next step.

Step 3: Start the Creamy Sauce

Without wiping out the skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—a critical moment that sets the aromatic base for your sauce.

Step 4: Make It Creamy With Pesto

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring as it begins to gently bubble. Whisk in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, blending until you have a smooth, slightly thickened sauce (this takes about 3 minutes). The kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Fresh Additions

Add your halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach directly into the skillet. Stir gently, watching the spinach wilt down and the tomatoes become extra juicy—it’s these pops of freshness that brighten everything up.

Step 6: Pull Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken and drained gnocchi to the skillet, tossing everything together until each piece is generously coated with the luscious sauce and heated through. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. You’re almost there!

Step 7: The Finishing Touch

Turn off the heat and top your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe with chopped fresh basil. This last burst of color and aroma really makes the dish sing—now, it’s ready to serve and enjoy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, scatter a handful of extra Parmesan and plenty of fresh chopped basil over the hot skillet. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few toasted pine nuts can also add a lovely crunch if you want to make things extra special.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe loves simple sides! I adore it with garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce, or you can pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or a quick sauté of zucchini also pair beautifully for a light, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the gnocchi family-style in a big shallow bowl for a cozy atmosphere, or dish it up in individual ramekins for a dinner party. For date night, a swirl of pesto on each plate and a fluffy basil sprig truly ups the wow factor. Little touches like these make even a weeknight meal feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers will keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soak up even more flavor overnight, and a quick reheat will bring everything right back to life—perfect for easy lunches or a second dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe, let it cool to room temperature first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Be aware that the texture of the cream may change slightly after thawing, but a quick whisk when reheating usually brings it back together.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through. The microwave works too, just use short intervals and stir in between to keep the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto will give your Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe a bright, ultra-fresh flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought is fantastic too—choose one with high-quality olive oil and basil for best results.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the chicken and add more veggies—think mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Swap the chicken broth for veggie stock, and you’ve got a vibrant, veggie-forward version of this classic comfort dish.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce separately, then combine them and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat everything together on the stove with a splash of cream or broth until hot and creamy again.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like the dish a bit lighter, use half-and-half or even whole milk, but expect a slightly less rich sauce. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a neutral, unsweetened plant-based creamer—just know the flavor profile will shift a little.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Frozen gnocchi works perfectly here! Just boil according to the package directions before adding them to the skillet. No need to thaw in advance, and they’ll hold up beautifully in the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the combination of cream, pesto, and pillowy gnocchi—one taste and you’ll see why this Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe has a special spot on my dinner table. I hope you give it a try and make it your own with any twists or tweaks your family loves. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken Pesto Gnocchi dish. Tender potato gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce come together for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Gnocchi:

1 lb potato gnocchi

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi until they float, then set aside.
Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken until golden. Set aside.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add cream, broth, pesto, and cheese. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Add tomatoes, spinach, chicken, and gnocchi to the sauce. Heat through.
Serve: Garnish with basil.