Description
The Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, soft potato gnocchi, rich basil pesto, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish combines creamy textures with fresh herbaceous flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It’s family-friendly, versatile, and easy to customize with different proteins, cheeses, or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional, for a veggie boost)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Toasted pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add a bit more olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in potato gnocchi and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they puff up and develop a light golden crust, adding a pleasant texture.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in minced garlic and optional spinach. Cook until fragrant and spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Cream and Pesto: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream along with dollops of basil pesto. Stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly, forming a smooth and luscious sauce packed with flavor.
- Layer Chicken and Cheese: Nestle sliced chicken back into the skillet mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until cheese melts, becoming bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing gnocchi to allow crisping instead of steaming.
- Use freshly made pesto if possible for the best vibrant flavor.
- Combine mozzarella with Parmesan for an ideal melty yet flavorful cheese topping.
- Add heavy cream slowly and stir frequently to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty grams
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pesto chicken, gnocchi bake, cheesy skillet meals, quick dinner, one-pan meal, family friendly, Italian inspired, gluten free
