Ingredients
Sauce and Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack to the top third to ensure even baking and browning.
- Sauté Onions: Melt the butter in a deep oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.
- Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, pesto, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
- Combine Gnocchi and Chicken: Mix in the potato gnocchi and shredded chicken. Let the mixture heat through for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash more cream to maintain creamy consistency.
- Top and Bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the top evenly with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. For a golden brown finish, broil for a brief time while watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- Adjust cream quantity to maintain sauce consistency during heating.
- Broil only for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese; watch closely to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American