Pesto Grilled Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
Tender potato gnocchi seared with juicy grilled chicken breast, zucchini, yellow squash, and sliced mushrooms tossed in vibrant basil pesto.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Makes
3 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Leslie + Lila
Leslie created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high…
- 01
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high…
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F (190°C).
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the potato gnocchi directly to the…
Add the potato gnocchi directly to the dry skillet in a single layer and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned on the outside, then transfer to a plate.
Look for: lightly browned on the outside, then transfer to a plate
Tap card to mark done - 03
Return the skillet to medium heat and…
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Look for: tender and slightly caramelized
Tap card to mark done - 04
Dice the pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts into…
Dice the pre-cooked grilled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet along with the seared gnocchi.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Reduce heat to low
Reduce heat to low, add the prepared basil pesto, and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes until all ingredients are warm and evenly coated.
Look for: all ingredients are warm and evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 06
Remove from heat
Remove from heat, split into 3 equal portions, and serve warm immediately. Store remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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