Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake

Imagine the velvety richness of pesto sauce enveloping pillowy gnocchi and juicy chicken pieces, all topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. This Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. The herbaceous aroma of basil pesto mingling with roasted chicken and melted cheese creates an irresistible invitation to your dinner table. You’ll learn how to create perfect layers of flavor in this easy yet impressive one-dish wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake strikes a perfect balance between convenience and indulgence that makes it truly special. First, it offers incredible textural contrast – those tender pillows of potato gnocchi against juicy chicken chunks, all brought together by the creaminess of the pesto sauce and finished with that irresistible cheesy crust.

This dish is remarkably versatile, working beautifully as both a casual weeknight dinner and an impressive centerpiece for guests. The prep work is minimal and can be completed in stages if needed. Best of all, it delivers complex, layered flavors that taste as though you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality it comes together in about 45 minutes. The subtle nuttiness of the pesto combined with the comfort of baked gnocchi creates a memorable chicken gnocchi bake that satisfies on every level.

Ingredients

For this delicious Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake, gather these key components:

• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated both work)
• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup (180g) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups (226g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The quality of your pesto significantly impacts the final flavor, so choose a premium store-bought version or make your own if time permits. For the creamiest texture, use full-fat mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged options.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake requires attention to a few critical details:

Properly Cook the Gnocchi: For the best texture, parboil your gnocchi for just 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. They should be slightly underdone as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy in the final dish. Drain thoroughly and toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Season in Layers: Build flavor by seasoning at each stage. Season the chicken before cooking, then taste and adjust the cream-pesto mixture before combining everything. This creates depth that permeates the entire chicken and gnocchi casserole rather than having all the flavor sitting on top.

Create the Perfect Cheese Crust: For that Instagram-worthy golden top, mix your mozzarella with Parmesan and hold back about a third of the cheese mixture to add during the last 5-7 minutes of baking. For extra browning, switch your oven to broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your gnocchi. This is also the perfect time to chop your chicken into even pieces and prepare your other ingredients so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Parboil the Gnocchi

Add your gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes (they’ll rise to the surface when ready). You want them slightly undercooked as they’ll finish in the oven. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through with a light golden exterior. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving any juices in the pan.

Step 4: Create the Pesto Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet with the chicken drippings, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and pesto, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Fold in the chopped spinach until just wilted.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked gnocchi in an even layer. Top with half the chicken pieces, followed by half the pesto cream sauce. Sprinkle with half of your cheese mixture. Repeat these layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown. For an extra golden top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully. Allow the Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

The versatility of this Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake makes it perfect for customization. Here are some delicious alternatives:

Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with 1 pound of cleaned large shrimp or chunks of salmon for a pescatarian version. Reduce the initial cooking time for the protein to just 2-3 minutes as seafood will cook faster in the oven.

Vegetable-Forward: Create a vegetarian gnocchi and pesto bake by omitting the chicken and adding 2 cups of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted vegetables add a wonderful depth of flavor and maintain the heartiness of the dish without meat.

Sundried Tomato & Artichoke: For a Mediterranean twist, add ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes and 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts to the standard recipe. The tangy, bright flavors complement the creamy pesto beautifully for an elevated chicken gnocchi casserole experience.

Storage and Serving

Your Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream before covering with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but may result in slightly chewier gnocchi.

Serve this comforting dish with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an elegant presentation, finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves just before serving. If you’re looking for a complete meal, pair with garlic bread and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herby pesto flavors.

This baked chicken and gnocchi dish also makes excellent leftovers and can be portioned into meal prep containers for lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! There’s no need to thaw frozen gnocchi first. Simply parboil it for 30 seconds longer than the recipe suggests, then proceed as directed.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Avoid low-fat milk, which may separate during baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works well as a substitute. Thaw completely, squeeze out excess moisture, and use about ¾ cup of the drained spinach.

Can I freeze this dish?
While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the gnocchi and cause the cream sauce to separate slightly. If freezing, do so before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, herbaceous embrace of tender gnocchi and succulent chicken that satisfies both the soul and the appetite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion while remaining simple enough for busy evenings. Whether served as a family dinner or presented to guests, this gnocchi bake demonstrates how a few quality ingredients can create something truly exceptional. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, aromatic pesto, and golden cheese creates a memorable meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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