Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken is a super simple weeknight dinner that's semi-homemade and totally awesome. Make things easy and delicious for yourself, kids. It's gonna be awesome.

There's a question I've been asking myself a lot lately. How can I make this easy? I think I heard it from Mel Robbins, and it hit me like a gut punch, a much needed slap in the face. We often focus on what's going to be tricky or complicated about any given situation. We think it's better to be prepared for the worst, and while there is a certain amount of wisdom in forethought and preparedness, perhaps it's blinding us to how we could simplify things.

What is we looked for more ease? Invited it in from time to time? Let things be light and simple instead of heavy and complex? What would change in your minute to minute experience if you just let things be easy? Just asking the question makes me feel lighter.

What makes Creamy Pesto Gnocchi so awesome?

This recipe is definitely easy. We've got a totally delicious dinner full of vibrant flavor and lean protein, plus the abundant energy of basil, and it's so simple to achieve. Take help from the store for this one by using your favorite jarred pesto and alfredo or white sauce. You could even buy the pre-chopped chicken if you like. Just let it be easy and reap the awesome flavor rewards. You won't regret it.

We've got a creamy pesto sauce combined with pillowy gnocchi and flavorful chicken here. I feel like no more needs to be said, but that's kind of not the point of a food blog. This dish is packed with earthy flavors and a comforting mix of textures. You could add extra veg, mushrooms, or even swap them out for the chicken if you want a meatless meal. Serve this with some crusty bread and a crunchy salad, and dinner is done.

Magical Properties of Basil

Basil is probably best known as a money plant. Those big fragrant green leaves just scream abundance and prosperity. This herb can also be used for banishing and protection as well as peace, happiness, tranquility, luck, and love. Because it's a common kitchen herb, you'll find it in all sorts of spells. Grind some dried basil in a mortar and pestle with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, then sprinkle the powder in the doorway of your business and home to attract more business. (Source: Everyday Magic by Semra Haksever)

For more on the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this recipe. All the details are in the recipe card below.

• Chicken breast - two will do it, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Gnocchi - you definitely don't need to make your own
• Jarred white sauce - alfredo sauce or lasagne sauce
• Jarred pesto - or your favorite recipe, but make things easy for yourself
• Fresh basil - only if you want to be fancy

Tips for making Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken

Remember, we're making things easy here, so buy as much store bought as you like. Start by chopping and seasoning your chicken liberally with salt and pepper, then cooking it in a skillet until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate, then add a whole jar of alfredo sauce plus about a quarter cup of your favorite pesto, and stir them together over low heat until it starts to bubble gently.

While that's cooking, you can be cooking your pasta in a pot of boiling, salted water. Check your package for timing, but generally, gnocchi is ready when it starts to float. Use a slotted spoon to transfer your gnocchi to your sauce as they rise to the top. Then when all your gnocchi are in, add the chicken back, and stir the whole thing together. It's almost embarrassingly easy, but sometimes that's just what we need.

Let dinner be easy and awesome at the same time with Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken. You're gonna love it.

Looking for more awesome weeknight pasta ideas? Try this Orzo Pasta with Bacon & Peas or some Spaghetti & Sausage Meatballs.

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