Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken and Pesto: A Flavorful One-Pan Delight
Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? This Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken and Pesto is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Combining tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and vibrant pesto, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi (or use frozen and thaw according to package instructions)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 (9-ounce) packages Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
- 6 tablespoons store-bought pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Par-cook the Gnocchi:
- Boil Water: Bring a large kettle of water to a boil.
- Cook Gnocchi: Place the gnocchi in a large skillet and pour the boiling water over the top to cover. Stir in the salt and leave the gnocchi in the water for 30 seconds.
- Transfer Gnocchi: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi to a bowl. Gently toss it with the olive oil. Let cool briefly and then gently toss again with 3 tablespoons of the pesto.
- Reserve Cooking Water: Scoop out 1/2 cup of the cooking water and discard the remaining water in the pan.
Heat and Assemble the Rest of the Dish:
- Warm Chicken: Set the skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
- Add Spinach: Add the spinach, and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, or until wilted.
- Mix in Tomatoes and Pesto: Fold in the cherry tomatoes and 3 tablespoons of the pesto. If the mixture seems dry, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved gnocchi cooking water.
- Combine Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and stir very gently until the ingredients are hot.
To Serve:
- Top with Goat Cheese: Distribute the goat cheese over the skillet.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley or basil if you like.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Tips and Variations:
- Gnocchi Choice: Feel free to use potato or cauliflower gnocchi based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto can elevate the flavors even more.
- Cheese Substitute: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or Parmesan for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with extra veggies or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken and Pesto. It’s a meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Happy cooking!
PrintGnocchi Skillet With Chicken and Pesto
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 pound shelf-stable potato or cauliflower gnocchi (or use frozen and thaw according to package instructions)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (9-ounce) packages Perdue Short Cuts Original Roasted Carved Chicken Breast
6 tablespoons store-bought pesto
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped parsley and/or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Par-cook the gnocchi:
Bring a large kettle of water to a boil. Place the gnocchi in a large skillet and pour boiling water over the top to cover.
Stir in the salt and leave the gnocchi in the water for 30 seconds.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl and gently toss it with the olive oil. Let cool briefly and gently toss again with 3 tablespoons of the pesto.
Scoop out 1/2 cup of the cooking water and discard the remaining water in the pan.
Heat and assemble the rest of the dish:
Set the skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. Add the spinach, and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, or until wilted.
Fold in the cherry tomatoes and 3 tablespoons of the pesto. If the mixture seems dry, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved gnocchi cooking water. Add the gnocchi, and stir very gently until the ingredients are hot.
To serve:
Distribute the goat cheese over the skillet and garnish with parsley or basil if you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal