Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden-brown, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
16 ounces refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi
Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan with the gnocchi. Cover with the lid, reduce the heat, and cook for 2-4 minutes, until the gnocchi get steamed through and the tomatoes start to split. (Add a little water if needed to create more steam.)
6 ounces cherry tomatoes
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the pesto and the spinach.
½ cup prepared pesto, 2 ounces fresh baby spinach
Toss for 1 minute until the spinach is wilted and everything is coated with the pesto.
Notes
Prep Tips:
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
If the pan seems dry when steaming the gnocchi and tomatoes, add a small splash of water and quickly cover to create steam.
Use refrigerated or shelf-stable gnocchi straight from the package, no need to boil them first. Do not use frozen gnocchi.
Variation Suggestions:
Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness.
Stir in a splash of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a creamier finish.
Add sauteed mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a deeper, slightly tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve straight from the skillet for easy family-style dining.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Pair with a simple green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
If needed, add a small splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.