There’s nothing quite like a family meal that brings everyone together, especially when it’s hearty, delicious, and packed with flavors that even the little ones can’t resist. Today’s recipe is one of my absolute favorites – Creamy Pesto Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi. It’s got that perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
I love experimenting in the kitchen, and this dish was born from one of those lovely, spontaneous cooking sessions. With four kids running around, meals need to be both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor to keep everyone satisfied. This gnocchi dish ticks all those boxes and more.
Right, let’s get straight to it.
First, let’s talk gnocchi. These fluffy potato dumplings are the ultimate comfort food and cook up in a flash. They create the perfect base for our creamy pesto sauce – trust me, there’s nothing like it. When making this, I often find myself sneaking a few gnocchi directly from the pot because they’re just that tempting!
For those busy parents out there, diced chicken breasts are your best friend. They cook quickly and soak up all those wonderful flavors from the pesto and cream. Adding fresh spinach not only gives a beautiful pop of color but also sneaks in some greens that your kids might normally shy away from.
The sauce, ah the sauce! It’s a beautiful blend of heavy cream and pesto, creating a rich, yet fresh flavor that coats every piece of gnocchi and chicken perfectly. Stir in some grated Parmesan towards the end, and you’ve got a cheesy, creamy dream come true.
One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or some roasted red peppers for an added punch of flavor. And if you’re looking to keep it a bit lighter, you can always swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, or even use a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free.
In my household, this dish is often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread to mop up that delectable sauce. And let’s not forget the garnishing with fresh basil – it just adds that final touch of freshness and makes the whole dish look absolutely stunning.
So here’s to relaxed family dinners, filled with laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. I hope this Creamy Pesto Chicken and Spinach Gnocchi becomes a cherished favorite in your household, just as it is in mine.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
– 500g gnocchi
– 2 chicken breasts (about 400g), diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 200g fresh spinach
– 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
– 100g pesto sauce
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Method
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the fresh spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the drained gnocchi. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are heated through.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
