Description
This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Soft, pillowy gnocchi and tender chicken are tossed in marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Combine Chicken and Gnocchi:
- Add the cooked gnocchi and shredded chicken to the skillet.
- Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- If using, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle them on top for added crunch.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the bake up to the point of adding cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F or microwave until heated through.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian