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    You Are Here: Home → Main Course → Pasta

    Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

    November 30, 2021 | Updated July 26, 2023 by Ryan 6 Comments

    281 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    chicken pesto gnocchi on speckled plate
    overhead shot of chicken and peso gnocchi in speckled plate
    overhead shot of chicken pesto gnocchi in plate

    This chicken pesto gnocchi recipe uses store-bought gnocchi, chicken, pesto, goat cheese and tomatoes, making for a tasty and quick dinner. Who says no to preparing a meal in under 30 minutes?

    overhead shot of chicken pesto gnocchi in plate

    When it comes sauces, pesto is by far my favorite and I try to utilize it with a ton of recipes - from a chicken pesto panini to pesto goat cheese mac and cheese to chicken pesto meatballs. The possibilities are endless.

    And when it comes to a weeknight meal that takes advantage of pesto, this chicken pesto gnocchi is at the top of the list.

    With store-bought gnocchi and pesto, there really isn't much work to be done. And sometimes that is ok. Yes you can make your own gnocchi and pesto, which I've done plenty of times, but the point of this meal is to have it ready in 30 minutes.

    So if you are looking for tasty comfort food during the week, this recipe hits the spot.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Pesto Variations
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Gnocchi Recipes
    • Chicken Pesto Gnocchi
    overhead shot of chicken and peso gnocchi in speckled plate

    Ingredient Notes

    • Gnocchi - as with the pesto, store-bought works great here. While homemade gnocchi is fantastic, it is some extra work.
    • Chicken - while you can cook your own, rotisserie chicken works just as well if you want to save some time.
    • Pesto - you can either buy some at the store to save time or make your own. If you want homemade, kale pistachio pesto is my go-to.
    • Goat cheese - adds some creaminess and tang which complements the pesto.
    • Tomatoes - adds a burst of acid and flavor.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    process shots of cooking chicken and then cooking pesto in skillet

    If cooking chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some olive oil. Cook chicken for about 4 minutes per side or until done. Boil the gnocchi according to package instructions, but keep ½ cup of the pasta water.

    In the same skillet, add olive oil and gnocchi over medium-high heat. Cook for about 3 minutes.

    process shots of cooking gnocchi before adding pesto, chicken, goat cheese and tomatoes

    Flip the gnocchi and cook for another 3 minutes so it is crisp on both sides. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto, goat cheese, tomatoes and about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Add the chicken back in and serve immediately.

    FAQs

    Is Gnocchi Pasta or Potato?

    While we categorize gnocchi as pasta many times, including myself, it is actually not a form of pasta. It is a dumping made of out potatoes. What makes it similar, is you typically serve it with some type of sauce like pasta.

    Can I Make My Own Gnocchi?

    While I don't think homemade gnocchi is necessary for this meal, you can definitely make your own. I recommend ricotta gnocchi which you can find how to make in this baked ricotta gnocchi recipe.

    Can I Make Ahead?

    Gnocchi is one pasta dish that works fine if you want to make ahead.

    • Fridge - allow the the dish to cool before placing in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Then just reheat back on the stove top when ready.
    • Freezer - place in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Once ready to eat, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove top when ready.

    Pesto Variations

    You are more than welcome to make your own pesto as it is quite easy. Traditional pesto consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, Parmesan cheese and blended with olive oil. The great thing is you can really mix and match the herbs and nuts.

    You can also control the amount of oil, whether you want it a little thicker or thinner. I tend to like my pesto a little thicker so I don’t put as much olive oil in my pesto recipes as others.

    Herbs/Greens to Use in Pesto: Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Mint, Sage, Kale, Spinach, Arugula

    Nuts/Seeds to Use in Pesto: Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Pecans, Almonds, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use a non-stick skillet, otherwise the gnocchi will stick and you won't be able to flip it.
    • Use rotisserie chicken if you don't feel like cooking chicken.
    • You can skip the goat cheese if you aren't a fan, but it just adds a slight creaminess and tang.
    • If you want the meal to be vegetarian, just skip the chicken.
    chicken pesto gnocchi on speckled plate

    Other Gnocchi Recipes

    • gnocchi with pesto on white plate
      Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Gnocchi
    • fork dipped in pumpkin gnocchi on speckled plate
      Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
    • overhead shot of gnocchi carbonara on white plate
      Gnocchi Carbonara
    • overhead shot of spoon dipped in butternut squash gnocchi in skillet
      Butternut Squash Gnocchi

    If you’ve tried this chicken pesto gnocchi recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. And if you are a fan of the flavor combination, you can't go wrong with this chicken pesto wrap! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    overhead shot of chicken pesto gnocchi in plate
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Chicken Pesto Gnocchi

    This chicken and pesto gnocchi recipe uses store-bought gnocchi, chicken, pesto, goat cheese and tomatoes, making for a tasty and quick dinner.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Pasta
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 578kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb potato gnocchi
    • 4 tablespoon olive oil, divided
    • ½ lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
    • salt and black pepper
    • ½ cup pesto
    • 4 oz goat cheese
    • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
    • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
    • 2 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 4 fresh basil leaves, julienned
    • ¼ cup pistachios

    Instructions

    • Heat non-stick large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoon olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook about 4 minutes on each side. Remove chicken and set aside.
    • Cook gnocchi according to instructions but keep ½ cup of cooking water before draining.
    • Add 2 more tablespoon olive oil and add the gnocchi to same non-stick skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes and then flip and cook another 3 minutes until both sides are crispy.
    • Remove from heat and stir in pesto, goat cheese, tomatoes and ¼ cup of cooking water to thin it out. Add more of each if necessary to coat the gnocchi. Stir back in the chicken. Top with some Parmesan, basil and pistachios and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Use a non-stick skillet, otherwise the gnocchi will stick and you won't be able to flip it.
    • Use rotisserie chicken if you don't feel like cooking chicken.
    • You can skip the goat cheese if you aren't a fan, but it just adds a slight creaminess and tang.
    • If you want the meal to be vegetarian, just skip the chicken.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 1337mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
    « Cranberry Orange Muffins
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    281 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amanda says

      August 02, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutley delicious, i fidnt have any goat cheese (this time) but i added some boccini right as it was being served, kids loved it even hubby loved it! Will be making again and again!

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        August 02, 2022 at 8:04 pm

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Savannah says

      September 14, 2022 at 10:18 pm

      I made this for dinner and it was extremely delicious! I think the goat cheese with the tomatoes really makes this recipe unique. I also love how simple and quick the recipe is with a yummy result..Thanks for posting and will definitely check out more recipes here!

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        September 15, 2022 at 6:57 am

        Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Chelsea says

      February 02, 2023 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and delicious!

      Will this be good as leftovers as well?

      Reply
      • Ryan says

        February 03, 2023 at 8:44 am

        Definitely!

        Reply

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    281 shares