This Crockpot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy pesto sauce.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Place the seared chicken breasts into the crockpot.
3. Add the gnocchi, heavy cream, pesto sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the crockpot.
4. Stir to combine, ensuring that the gnocchi and chicken are coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the gnocchi is tender.
6. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Stir everything together, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve the creamy pesto gnocchi with shredded chicken, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Slow Cooker Convenience

One of the standout benefits of this recipe is the use of a slow cooker, which allows for an incredibly convenient cooking process. By simply adding your ingredients into the crockpot and letting it cook for several hours, you free up your time for other activities. The slow cooking method also ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully, providing a rich and creamy dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious, comforting meal but don’t have the time to actively cook.

Versatile Ingredient Choices

This dish is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can adjust the recipe to fit your tastes by substituting ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, you can use a variety of pesto sauces—whether it’s a classic basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a dairy-free pesto option to meet specific dietary requirements.

The Creamy Pesto Sauce

The creamy pesto sauce is the heart of this dish. Combining pesto with heavy cream creates a luscious, silky texture that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly. Pesto itself is a blend of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, which brings bright and herbaceous flavors. The addition of cream softens the intensity of the pesto, resulting in a rich and satisfying sauce that complements the tender chicken and gnocchi.

Gnocchi: A Soft, Pillowy Base

The gnocchi in this recipe serves as the perfect base, soaking up the creamy pesto sauce and adding a soft, pillowy texture to each bite. Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling made from potatoes and flour, and when cooked in the crockpot, it becomes wonderfully tender. The gnocchi absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, making every forkful a comforting delight. It’s a great alternative to pasta and adds a unique touch to the dish.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

The chicken in this recipe becomes incredibly tender and juicy due to the slow cooking process. The low heat of the crockpot allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring that it doesn’t dry out. As it cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the pesto sauce, becoming infused with the herbaceous and creamy notes. Shredding the chicken at the end makes it easy to mix with the gnocchi, resulting in a perfect blend of textures in every bite.

Minimal Prep Time

One of the key benefits of this recipe is the minimal prep time required. Unlike many dishes that involve complicated preparations or multiple steps, this recipe simplifies the process significantly. All you need to do is sear the chicken and combine the ingredients in the crockpot. There’s no need for complex chopping, sautéing, or constant stirring. This makes it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for an easy, stress-free dinner option.

Comfort Food at Its Best

This Crockpot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken is a true comfort food. The combination of rich, creamy sauce, soft gnocchi, and tender chicken provides a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. It’s the kind of dish you want to curl up with after a long day, and its warmth and heartiness make it a go-to during the colder months.

One-Pot Meal

Another perk of this recipe is that it is a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup. All the ingredients are cooked in the same crockpot, making the process even more convenient. You don’t need to worry about washing multiple pans or utensils, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners when you want a quick and easy meal without a mountain of dishes to clean afterward.

A Family-Friendly Dish

This recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are flavors that even picky eaters can enjoy, and the gnocchi adds a fun and unique twist. It’s the kind of meal that both adults and children will look forward to, and the fact that it’s made in the crockpot means you can spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Easy to Scale for Larger Groups

If you need to serve a larger group, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply increase the amount of chicken, gnocchi, and pesto sauce, and you’ll have a meal that can feed a crowd. The slow cooker can accommodate larger portions, making this dish perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Great for Leftovers

This dish makes excellent leftovers. The creamy pesto sauce and gnocchi only get better as they sit, allowing the flavors to continue developing overnight. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for a quick lunch the next day.

Customizable Flavor Options

While the recipe calls for a basic pesto sauce, you can easily customize the flavor profile to suit your tastes. You can add extra garlic for a stronger flavor, toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for additional Mediterranean flair. The creamy base allows for a lot of flexibility, so feel free to get creative and make the dish your own.

A Great Way to Use Fresh Herbs

If you have fresh herbs growing in your garden, this recipe is an excellent way to put them to use. Fresh basil is a key ingredient in the pesto, and using homegrown herbs will add an extra layer of freshness and depth to the dish. You can also experiment with other herbs like parsley or thyme if you’re looking to change up the flavor.

No Need for Fancy Equipment

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. A slow cooker is all you need to make this meal, making it accessible for anyone, whether you have a fully equipped kitchen or a minimalist setup. The simplicity of the ingredients and the equipment needed means that it’s a recipe anyone can tackle, even if you’re new to cooking or don’t have a lot of specialized tools.

Balanced Meal with Protein, Carbs, and Fat

This dish offers a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the gnocchi, and healthy fats from the cream and olive oil. It’s a well-rounded option that provides the necessary nutrients for a satisfying meal. While it’s rich and creamy, it still offers a good balance of macronutrients to keep you full and energized.

Suitable for Meal Prep

If you like to plan your meals ahead of time, this recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare the dish in advance and store individual servings in airtight containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week. The crockpot method makes it easy to cook in large batches, so you can enjoy the leftovers without having to cook every day.

A Perfect Comfort Dish for Cold Weather

This creamy pesto gnocchi with chicken is the ultimate comfort dish, especially during the colder months. The rich sauce and tender chicken provide warmth and satisfaction, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening. The dish feels hearty and filling, offering both comfort and nourishment when you need it most.

Kid-Friendly Dinner Option

Getting kids to eat healthy meals can sometimes be a challenge, but this dish is both nutritious and appealing to young palates. The creamy pesto sauce is flavorful but not overwhelming, and the gnocchi offers a fun texture that kids enjoy. By adding this meal to your dinner rotation, you’ll be able to serve something your whole family will love.

Budget-Friendly Meal

While this dish feels indulgent, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Chicken breasts and gnocchi are both relatively affordable ingredients, and the other components of the dish, like pesto and heavy cream, are easy to find at your local grocery store. By using simple, accessible ingredients, you can make a flavorful and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crockpot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Chicken is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With its rich, creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The slow cooking method ensures a perfectly balanced dish with minimal effort, and its versatility allows you to adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or simply looking for an easy and satisfying meal, this recipe is a fantastic option that delivers both taste and ease.