Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet
Try this Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 2 chicken breasts chopped into hunks
- seasoned salt and pepper
- 12 oz package shelf-stable gluten-free gnocchi (i used d
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade recipe be
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 tablespoon walnuts
- 1 large clove garlic roughly chopped
- big pinch salt
- squeeze fresh lemon juice
- Carbohydrate 1.17299333333333 g
- Cholesterol 32.72 mg
- Fat 29.33810000727 g
- Fiber 0.197800004005432 g
- Protein 8.22482666666667 g
- Saturated Fat 8.31508266767051 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (171g)
- Sodium 438.797333333479 mg
- Sugar 0.975193329327901 g
- Trans Fat 2.3794473335302 g
- Calories 300 calories
Step-by-step
- If making homemade Small Batch Pesto: Add basil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt to a food processor then pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. Very slowly stream in extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running until pesto is smooth. Add a little bit of lemon juice at a time until desired taste is reached - the pesto shouldn't taste lemony, just fresh. Set aside.
- Add bacon to a cold, 12" nonstick skillet then place over medium heat. Cook until bacon is browned then scoop into a bowl and set aside, reserving bacon fat in skillet. Turn heat up slightly.
- Season chicken with seasoned salt and pepper then add to the skillet and cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Scoop into a bowl then set aside.
- Add enough extra virgin olive oil to the skillet to equal 2 Tablespoons fat total then add gnocchi and arrange into a single layer. Saute until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy, 2-3 minutes, then stir and continue to saute until the gnocchi are tender and golden brown all over, 2-3 additional minutes.
- Turn heat down to medium-low then add pesto, chicken, and bacon into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat ingredients through then scoop into bowls and serve.
A Weeknight Winner: Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner is a constant challenge. I need something quick, easy, and most importantly, something the whole family will enjoy. This Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet recipe has become my go-to weeknight meal. It’s a flavorful one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving me with more time to spend with my kids instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a delightful blend of textures and tastes – the crispy gnocchi, the savory bacon, the tender chicken, and the vibrant pesto all working in perfect harmony. I love how the pesto adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the bacon and chicken. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, add your favorite vegetables, or even swap out the chicken for sausage. The possibilities are endless!
The Magic of One-Pan Cooking: This recipe is a testament to the power of one-pan cooking. Not only does it reduce cleanup time (a major win in my book!), but it also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The bacon fat adds a depth of flavor to the gnocchi, while the chicken absorbs the delicious pesto. It’s a symphony of flavors all happening in one pan, resulting in a truly unforgettable meal.
Making it Your Own: One of the things I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add spinach or cherry tomatoes for an extra boost of nutrients. Other times, I might use a different type of cheese in the pesto or even try a different herb. The core components remain the same, but the possibilities for customization are truly endless.
Beyond the Weeknight: While this is my go-to weeknight meal, it's also perfect for a casual weekend dinner or even a get-together with friends. It’s the kind of dish that's impressive enough to serve guests, but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. I’ve even been known to double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – a delicious and convenient way to stretch a meal.
Ingredients That Make a Difference: The quality of the ingredients really does make a difference in this dish. I always use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor, and fresh basil for the pesto whenever possible. The gnocchi I choose is shelf-stable and gluten-free, making it a convenient and inclusive option. And of course, a good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for adding richness and flavor.
More Than Just a Meal: This recipe is more than just a delicious meal; it's a symbol of my commitment to creating healthy and satisfying meals for my family, even when time is tight. It's a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can still come together around a table and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing. It’s a testament to the simple joys of home cooking, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
Tips for Success: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the gnocchi; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get crispy. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the skillet with the pesto and bacon. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe your own.
This Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious, and efficient cooking. Give it a try, and I'm sure it will become a new favorite in your kitchen too!
