Crispy Chicken, Bacon and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet

 Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal featuring crispy chicken, savory bacon, soft gnocchi, and a rich, aromatic pesto sauce. It's a perfect combination of flavors and textures for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Gnocchi Skillet:

1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

4 slices bacon, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Once slightly cooled, slice it into thin strips.

2. Cook the Bacon:

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

3. Cook the Gnocchi:

1. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet (with the bacon drippings) and heat over medium-high heat.

2. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

4. Combine and Make the Sauce:

1. Lower the heat and add the pesto sauce and heavy cream to the skillet with the gnocchi.

2. Stir well to coat the gnocchi, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.

5. Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Tips:

You can use store-bought or homemade pesto for this dish.

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

To make this a low-carb version, substitute the gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi.

Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Pesto Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish that's quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect dinner option!