This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines pillowy gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection under a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup with everything baked in one dish.
- Comforting and Satisfying – A cozy dish full of rich flavors and textures.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Simple – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Cheesy and Delicious – A perfect blend of melty cheese and savory marinara.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potato gnocchi
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken with cooked sausage or ground turkey.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work great.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can also try provolone or fontina.
Do I need to cook the gnocchi before baking?
No, it cooks perfectly in the sauce while baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver.
How can I make it extra crispy on top?
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
A high-quality store-bought sauce or homemade marinara works best.
Can I cook this in a baking dish instead of a skillet?
Yes, just transfer everything to a casserole dish before baking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a cheesy, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Serve it fresh, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every bite!
PrintChicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Soft, pillowy gnocchi is tossed in a rich marinara sauce with juicy chicken, then baked to perfection with a crispy, cheesy topping. It’s an easy, comforting one-pan meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- For the Gnocchi Bake:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (usually until they float, about 2-3 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- 3. Make the Sauce
- Pour in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then let simmer for 2 minutes.
- 4. Assemble the Bake
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle over the cheese.
- 5. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- If needed, broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- 6. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish!
Notes
- Make it Crispy! If you like an extra crispy top, use a cast-iron skillet and broil for a few extra minutes.
- Add More Flavor: Toss in some cooked spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
- Sodium: ~950mg
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480
- Sodium: ~950mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Protein: ~35g
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