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Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 15 reviews

This Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender potato gnocchi and shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, flavorful pesto sauce. Topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and baked to bubbly perfection, this meal is perfect for a cozy dinner that comes together easily in one skillet.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
  • ¼ cup pesto
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped

Toppings

  • ½ 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 rack in the top third of the oven for even baking of the cheese topping.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: 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 golden, developing good flavor.
  3. Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to bubble for about 30 seconds to release the garlic's aroma.
  4. Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, pesto, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Gnocchi and Chicken: Add the potato gnocchi and cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to heat through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of cream to loosen it to a creamy consistency.
  6. Add Cheese and Bake: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
  7. Optional Broil: For a golden, browned cheese crust, broil the dish briefly watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the gnocchi bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Use a deep oven-safe skillet to prepare and bake this dish safely in one pan.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; otherwise, cooked shredded chicken breast works perfectly.
  • Watch carefully if broiling the cheese to prevent burning.
  • Fresh pesto adds the best flavor, but jarred pesto can be used in a pinch.
  • You can substitute mozzarella for another meltable cheese if desired.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/pesto-chicken-gnocchi-bake-recipe/