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Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake
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Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, vibrant basil pesto, and a luscious creamy sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy meal with fresh herbal notes and a delightful blend of textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes, to build the base flavor for the dish.
  3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly into the skillet. Sauté them with the chicken and aromatics for a few minutes until the gnocchi begin to turn golden brown on the edges but remain tender and soft inside, melding with other ingredients.
  4. Add Pesto and Cream: Stir the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet mixture until everything is evenly coated and heated through, imparting a fresh herbal note and a rich, velvety sauce.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the skillet content. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and better blending of flavors.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to achieve a good sear rather than steaming.
  • Choose high-quality pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, for best flavor results.
  • Gently toss the gnocchi to avoid tearing them while mixing.
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake, Pesto Chicken Gnocchi, One-pan dinner, Comfort food, Creamy chicken gnocchi, Easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/cheesy-skillet-pesto-chicken-gnocchi-bake/