Description
A comforting and flavorful one-skillet bake combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh basil pesto, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This easy and hearty dish delivers creamy, cheesy indulgence with a vibrant herbaceous kick, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen potato gnocchi
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup store-bought basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the frozen gnocchi and sauté until they develop a lightly crisp exterior, about 4-5 minutes, to add texture contrast to the creamy bake.
- Add Garlic and Cream: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Mix in Pesto and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the basil pesto, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated parmesan cheese to infuse the dish with bright basil flavor and cheesy richness.
- Combine Chicken and Bake: Slice the rested chicken and nestle the pieces evenly back into the skillet. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality store-bought pesto for optimal flavor.
- Do not overcook gnocchi; it should remain tender with a slight crisp.
- Combine mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for best melt and flavor balance.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy stovetop-to-oven transition.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken gnocchi bake, pesto chicken recipe, one skillet chicken dinner, creamy gnocchi bake, easy weeknight dinner, basil pesto chicken
