This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of chicken parmesan with pillowy gnocchi in one dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- Bakes in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- Gnocchi
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free gnocchi to cater to dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
4. What type of chicken works best?
Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs work well, but rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
6. Is there a dairy-free option?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
7. Can I use a different pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni can be used, but youโll need to pre-cook it before adding.
8. How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for whole wheat gnocchi and low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
9. Can I cook this in a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in a baking dish and bake as directed.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this bake.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe that blends classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Whether youโre preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!
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Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
Description
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake combines tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or oregano, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:ย Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- Cook Gnocchi:ย Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ยผ cup of the cooking liquid.
- Sautรฉ Aromatics:ย In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic; sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken:ย Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients:ย Stir in the cooked gnocchi, reserved cooking liquid, marinara sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Add Cheese:ย Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake:ย Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake on the top rack until the dish is hot and bubbling, and the cheese is golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:ย Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano before serving.
Notes
- For a twist, consider using spinach gnocchi to add color and extra nutrients.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
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