Pesto Chicken Gnocchi with Pan-fried Asparagus & Courgette

Pesto Chicken Gnocchi with Pan-fried Asparagus & Courgette

A bright and delicious pasta packed with the flavours of spring. Think fluffy potato gnocchi. Seasonal asparagus. And free-range British diced chicken breast, flavoured with pesto and yoghurt to make it extra creamy. Don't forget the courgette and spinach to fill your bowl with even more greens.

Ready in 20 High protein Low sat fat

Serving size

Cook time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Food group: Poultry
Allergens: Milk, Eggs

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Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Pull out a medium frying pan, a medium non-stick frying pan, a measuring jug, a sieve & a grater

Sizzle the chicken

  • Heat the medium frying pan with 1 tsp oil on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 9 mins. Season with salt and pepper

Do the prep

  • Meanwhile, dice the courgette into 2cm chunks. Trim and cut the asparagus into thirds, keeping the stalks and tips separate. Finely chop or grate the garlic. Zest the half lemon. Finely grate the cheese

Build the dish

  • Add the courgette and asparagus stalks to the chicken and cook for 4 mins, then stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute, until the chicken is cooked through
  • Stir in the pesto, asparagus tips and 100ml water (50ml for 1 person) and simmer for 2-3 mins, until reduced slightly
  • In the final minute, rinse the spinach, then add to the pan and cook until wilted

Cook the gnocchi

  • Heat the medium non-stick frying pan with 1 tsp oil on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the gnocchi and cook for 4-5 mins, tossing regularly, until golden brown. Season with salt

Finishing touches & plate up

  • Check your chicken is cooked through by cutting a large piece in half; the flesh should be white and the juices running clear
  • Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the cooked gnocchi, yoghurt, half the cheese and the juice from the half lemon (or to taste). Taste and season if needed
  • Share the chicken gnocchi between bowls. Garnish with the remaining lemon, cut into wedges. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and remaining cheese to finish

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