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- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi - 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream - 1 cup (240ml) vibrant basil pesto - 1 cup (approximately 150g) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups (approximately 60g) fresh baby spinach - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and fresh black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving When I prepare this dish, I focus on using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The chicken breast gives a nice protein base, while the potato gnocchi adds a fun, chewy texture. Heavy cream is key for richness, and the basil pesto brings that herby punch we love. Cherry tomatoes add brightness, and baby spinach not only brings color but also nutrients. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors. For seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper create a simple yet delicious taste. Finally, I top it all with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that cheesy, savory finish. Using these ingredients, you can create a creamy and satisfying meal in no time. To start, heat one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. You want it to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Ensure there is no pink left in the center. After your chicken is cooked, it's time to add flavor. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes. This helps the tomatoes soften and release their sweet juices. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of vibrant basil pesto. Stir until everything is mixed well. Bring this tasty blend to a gentle simmer. Now, add 16 ounces of potato gnocchi to the pot. Make sure each piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will cook the gnocchi until they are tender. Finally, fold in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts down. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the rich, creamy delight you’ve created! To make your Creamy One-Pot Pesto Chicken Gnocchi shine, focus on seasoning. Taste as you cook. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. Garlic powder brings great depth. Adjust based on your preference. Cooking the gnocchi properly is key. Follow the package instructions. They should be tender but not mushy. Watch them closely as they simmer in the sauce. Stir gently to coat them without breaking. Serving this dish can be fun! Use deep bowls to hold the creamy gnocchi. This adds warmth and comfort. For a pop of color, top with fresh basil leaves. A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch, too. Pair it with warm crusty bread for a complete meal. The bread soaks up the sauce, making every bite delightful. Use a large pot or deep skillet for this recipe. A heavy-bottomed pan helps cook the chicken evenly. Make sure your pot has a lid for simmering the gnocchi. A wooden spoon or spatula is great for stirring. You might also want a zester for grating Parmesan cheese. Having these tools ready will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. {{image_4}} Alternative proteins You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Simply cube the tofu and sauté until golden. Dairy-free options For a dairy-free dish, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Additional herbs and spices Try adding fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Experiment with your favorite spices to make it your own. Vegetable options You can add zucchini or bell peppers for more color and nutrition. Simply chop them up and toss them in with the tomatoes. They will cook down and add great taste. Pairing with side dishes This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garlic bread is another great choice for added flavor. Incorporating leftovers into new meals Leftovers can be mixed into a frittata for breakfast. You can also use them in wraps for a quick lunch. Just heat them up and enjoy anew! To keep your Creamy One-Pot Pesto Chicken Gnocchi fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. Place the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Heat a pan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to maintain the creaminess. You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change. To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to combine everything again. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. This includes 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. You can have a tasty meal ready in no time. Yes, you can use homemade pesto. Fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese create a great flavor. Homemade pesto adds a personal touch to your dish. You can use turkey, tofu, or even shrimp instead of chicken. These options work well and keep the dish tasty. Choose what you like best! Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy a creamy meal! This recipe for Creamy One-Pot Pesto Chicken Gnocchi is easy and delicious. We discussed the main ingredients, like chicken, gnocchi, and pesto. You learned how to cook and combine everything in one pot. Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste and enjoy the visual appeal of your dish. It’s flexible too; feel free to swap proteins or add veggies. With proper storage, you can save leftovers for later. Experiment and make this dish your own!

Creamy One-Pot Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

Indulge in this delicious creamy one-pot pesto chicken gnocchi that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant pesto sauce, it's sure to please the whole family. This easy recipe takes just 25 minutes from prep to table! Dive into a bowl of comfort and flavor—click to explore the full recipe and surprise your loved ones with this scrumptious meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

16 oz (450g) potato gnocchi

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 cup (240ml) vibrant basil pesto

1 cup (approximately 150g) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups (approximately 60g) fresh baby spinach

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink in the center.

    After the chicken is perfectly cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

      Gently pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Bring this delicious blend to a gentle simmer.

        Carefully add the gnocchi to the pot, ensuring they are well-coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

          Once the gnocchi are cooked, fold in the fresh baby spinach. Cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts and integrates beautifully into the dish.

            Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper, if desired. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to thicken up just a bit more.

              Serve hot, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve this delightful dish in deep, inviting bowls. Top with extra basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan for a burst of color and flavor. For an even more satisfying meal, pair it with warm crusty bread on the side!