Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe because it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. The richness of the creamy sauce combined with the tangy sun-dried tomato pesto creates a flavor combo that’s truly irresistible. Plus, the gnocchi soaks up all that goodness perfectly, making every bite a little piece of comfort.

Whenever I’m looking for a quick weeknight meal that feels fancy yet comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe’s my go-to. You’ll find that it’s an easy way to impress family or friends without the hassle, and the fresh spinach adds that wonderful pop of color and nutrition that makes it feel well-rounded and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe, I rely on simple, quality ingredients that really bring everything together. These are likely ones you have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken nicely without sticking.
• Heavy Cream: Adds that signature luscious, creamy texture.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Balances richness and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
• Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Gives a nutty, cheesy depth to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: The star flavor element – tangy, savory, and vibrant.
• Gnocchi: Store-bought works wonderfully for convenience; they puff right up when cooked.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green color to the final dish.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by mixing in different veggies or swapping out ingredients to fit my mood or what’s in my fridge. You can easily tweak it without losing any of those comforting vibes.

• Vegetarian Version: Try replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu; I once made it meatless with mushrooms and couldn’t tell the difference!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat—my family enjoys the subtle kick this adds.
• Cheese Swap: Using Asiago or Pecorino instead of Parmesan gives a slightly sharper, tangier flavor that’s equally delicious.
• Greens Variation: Feel free to substitute baby kale or Swiss chard if spinach isn’t available.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfect Tenderness

Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. You want the chicken to develop a golden crust without drying out, so keep an eye on it and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Lower the heat to medium and in the same pan, combine the heavy cream, low-sodium chicken broth, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and that flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto. Stir everything together, scraping up those golden bits left by the chicken—they add so much flavor. This sauce will become the heart of the dish, so give it a good stir to meld all those rich, tangy flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi Right in the Sauce

Add the gnocchi directly into the creamy sauce, then cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where those tender pillows absorb the luscious sauce and puff up just right. Remember not to stir too much while covered, or the gnocchi can break apart. You’ll want to check occasionally and gently toss at the end.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Fresh Spinach

Once the gnocchi is tender and the sauce looks thick and creamy, stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the fresh baby spinach. Cook everything together for just 2 minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully. This last step adds freshness and a slight earthiness that balances out the richness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves if I have them handy. The cheese adds a salty, sharp contrast, and basil brings in that fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the whole dish beautifully. A drizzle of good olive oil also never hurts to finish things off.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty on its own, I like pairing it with a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty baguette also make fantastic accompaniments — perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in shallow bowls layered with edible flowers and microgreens for a restaurant-quality look. Another fun idea is to portion it into cute mini cast iron skillets for individual servings — it makes the experience feel extra cozy and personalized.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I find leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Because of the dairy in the creamy sauce, freezing isn’t my first choice, but if you want to, flash freeze the cooked gnocchi and chicken separately before combining in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers low and slow on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up. This method keeps the gnocchi tender and the sauce silky without breaking apart or curdling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—it’s quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. I hope when you try it, you feel just as cozy and impressed as I do every time I make it. Seriously, give it a go for your next dinner and enjoy the rich flavors without any complicated steps. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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