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Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake featuring tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, pesto, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American