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Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake

Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake
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A delicious and easy Cheesy Skillet Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and vibrant basil pesto. This one-pan meal offers a rich, comforting dish perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs (lean protein, tender meat)

Carbohydrates

  • 1 package store-bought gnocchi (soft and pillowy base)

Sauces & Oils

  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce (fragrant basil, pine nut, and garlic flavors)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (gooey, melty layer)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (sharp, nutty finish)

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional; adds color and acidity)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden on the outside and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add gnocchi and cook until golden and slightly crispy on the edges to add texture.
  3. Combine Pesto and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in pesto sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt gently with the warm chicken and gnocchi, creating a creamy sauce coating everything.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, sealing all flavors together.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves and optional cherry tomatoes on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto—homemade or high-quality store-bought—for best flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken on the stovetop as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Golden, seared gnocchi adds great texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Use a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet to go from stovetop straight to oven without transferring.
  • Reserve some mozzarella to sprinkle on top for a perfectly bubbly cheese crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy, skillet, pesto, chicken, gnocchi, easy dinner, one-pan, comfort food, weeknight meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/cheesy-skillet-pesto-chicken-gnocchi-bake/