Creamy Baked Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken
When I want something cozy but still fresh and full of flavor, this creamy baked chicken pesto gnocchi is one of my favorite easy meals. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with herby pesto, but still feels light enough to enjoy any time of year.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 692.76kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup pesto
- ½ cup heavy cream for dairy-free, use coconut milk
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add Kosher salt and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Strain and set aside.16 ounces potato gnocchi
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream/coconut milk and broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup pesto, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Turn off the heat.2 cups cooked chicken
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Optional to broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese.Fresh basil leaves, Extra grated Parmesan
Video
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut
- Add in some veggies like frozen peas, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they only need a couple of minutes or they’ll turn mushy.
- If the sauce thickens too much before baking, stir in a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 692.76kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.33g | Protein: 34.41g | Fat: 41.04g | Saturated Fat: 16.65g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.27g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.66g | Cholesterol: 121.88mg | Sodium: 1185.98mg | Potassium: 243.97mg | Fiber: 3.19g | Sugar: 2.25g | Vitamin A: 1425.88IU | Vitamin C: 0.65mg | Calcium: 356.27mg | Iron: 5.39mg
