Dinner

Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

ByIsabella Vance December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Gnocchi is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, and a rich pesto cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s simple to make yet full of vibrant flavors.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy dish in a white bowl with a dark rim, filled with soft, yellow gnocchi pieces mixed in a thick, light green sauce. There are chunks of cooked chicken scattered throughout, slightly browned and tender. Fresh, bright green basil leaves lay on top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. Small specks of black pepper are sprinkled evenly across the surface, enhancing texture and color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the scene has a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup pesto
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken broth
1.1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup basil leaves
Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 2 minutes until browned.
Step 2: Reduce heat to low, then add butter and minced garlic. Stir for 30 seconds before adding the pesto.
Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the pan, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender.
Step 5: Uncover the pan and stir the gnocchi and sauce well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, then remove the pan from heat and add the basil leaves.
Step 7: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use store-bought pesto for convenience, or make your own for a fresher flavor.
Substitute chicken breasts with cooked shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and taste.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it may thicken when chilled.

How to Serve

This close-up shows a white pot with a blue handle filled with creamy gnocchi in a green pesto sauce. The dish has two main layers: the gnocchi and small chicken pieces covered by a thick, smooth, light green sauce speckled with black pepper. Fresh bright green basil leaves are placed on top, adding a fresh look. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a soft white cloth blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and tender.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding the sauce?

Yes, browning the chicken first adds flavor and ensures it is fully cooked before combining with the creamy sauce and gnocchi.

Isabella Vance