If you are looking for a comforting, quick one-pot dinner, this creamy pesto chicken gnocchi is a reliable choice. It combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich pesto cream sauce in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

This recipe is designed for busy evenings when you want something hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare without sacrificing taste. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping the process straightforward.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 520 per serving

Ingredients

• 600g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g basil pesto
• 80g cream cheese (or soft cheese spread)
• 700g potato gnocchi
• 100g mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Meanwhile, cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float, then drain.
6. Add cooked gnocchi to the pan with chicken.
7. Stir in pesto and cream cheese, mixing until everything is coated and creamy.
8. Top with mozzarella and cover until melted, or broil briefly for a golden finish.
9. Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.

Why This One Pot Gnocchi Recipe Works

This dish balances comfort food richness with fresh herb flavor. The pesto adds brightness, while the cream cheese creates a silky texture.

Cooking everything in one pan also helps the flavors meld together. The starch from the gnocchi naturally thickens the sauce, giving it a restaurant-quality finish.

Another advantage is the short cooking time. You can have a satisfying dinner ready in under 40 minutes without complicated steps.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in building flavor and texture. Understanding them helps you customize the dish easily.

Chicken breast provides lean protein and absorbs the pesto sauce well. It stays tender when cooked just until done.

Gnocchi acts as the base of the dish. Its soft, pillowy texture pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.

Pesto brings bold, herby flavor. It adds depth without needing extra spices or long cooking.

Cream cheese gives the sauce a smooth and creamy consistency. It also balances the sharpness of pesto.

Cherry tomatoes add freshness and a slight acidity. This helps cut through the richness of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for Best Results

To get the best texture and flavor, follow a few simple techniques. These small adjustments make a big difference.

Start by browning the chicken properly. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears instead of steaming.

Cook the gnocchi just until they float. Overcooking can make them too soft and mushy.

When adding cream cheese, reduce the heat slightly. This prevents the sauce from separating and keeps it smooth.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. The starch helps create a silky consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt based on your preferences. You can make simple changes without affecting the overall flavor.

For a lighter version, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. This reduces calories while keeping the creamy texture.

You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These blend well with pesto and add extra nutrients.

Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a different protein option. Both work well with the creamy pesto sauce.

If you prefer extra richness, stir in a little grated parmesan before serving. It enhances the savory flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This dish stores well, making it ideal for meal prep. Proper storage ensures the texture stays consistent.

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or water. This helps loosen the sauce and prevent dryness.

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy gnocchi is filling on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can elevate the meal. Balance is key to complementing the richness.

Serve with a fresh green salad for contrast. A light vinaigrette works well to cut through the creaminess.

Garlic bread or toasted flatbread makes a great addition. It helps scoop up the extra sauce.

You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This adds color and enhances the herb flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong without attention to detail. Avoid these mistakes for consistent results.

Do not overcook the chicken. Dry chicken will affect the overall texture of the dish.

Avoid adding all ingredients at once. Layering flavors step by step improves the final taste.

Do not skip seasoning. Even with pesto, salt and pepper are essential for balance.

Be careful when melting cheese. High heat can cause it to become oily instead of creamy.

FAQs

Can I cook gnocchi directly in the sauce?
Yes, but you may need extra liquid. Cooking separately gives better control over texture.

What type of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto works well, but you can use spinach or arugula pesto for variation.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid to maintain creaminess.

Can I freeze creamy gnocchi?
Freezing is not recommended. The sauce can separate when thawed.

How do I make it more saucy?
Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. Stir gently until the desired consistency is reached.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy texture and mild flavors make it suitable for most tastes.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely. Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well.

This one pot creamy pesto chicken gnocchi is a dependable recipe for quick dinners. It combines ease, flavor, and comfort in a single dish, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

This one pot creamy pesto chicken gnocchi is an easy, comforting weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, and a rich basil pesto cream cheese sauce. It cooks quickly with minimal cleanup and finishes with melted mozzarella for a cheesy, family-friendly meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium red onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 600 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 700 g potato gnocchi
• 100 g basil pesto
• 80 g cream cheese softened
• 100 g mozzarella sliced or shredded

Instructions

 

Cook the One Pot Pesto Chicken Gnocchi

• Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the chicken pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
• Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
• While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, usually 2–3 minutes. Drain well.
• Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet with the chicken and tomatoes. Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in the basil pesto and cream cheese until melted and evenly combined, coating the chicken and gnocchi in a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
• Top with mozzarella. Cover the pan for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts, or briefly broil just until bubbly and lightly golden. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use a large deep skillet so the gnocchi and chicken can be tossed easily without spilling.
• If your pesto is very salty, season lightly at first, then adjust after the sauce is mixed.
• For a looser sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of water or warm milk at the end.
• Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of liquid to keep the sauce creamy.