Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender gnocchi, crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan is quick to prepare and perfect for a hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food reimagined: A unique take on the classic Chicken Parmesan with gnocchi for an irresistible twist.
• Easy and satisfying: Minimal prep and packed with familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.
• One-pan convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights with less cleanup.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Gnocchi:
   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked gnocchi and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
4. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Cheese lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or fontina for extra flavor.
• Pasta swap: Substitute gnocchi with penne, rigatoni, or another short pasta.
• Breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh gnocchi?

Yes, fresh gnocchi works well and cooks even faster than store-bought varieties.

2. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or baked chicken breasts are all excellent choices.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready to serve.

4. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking the gnocchi during boiling, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.

5. Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely! Alfredo sauce or pesto can be used for a variation in flavor.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

7. Can I cook this without an oven?

Yes, cook it entirely on the stovetop by covering the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.

8. How can I add more vegetables?

Mix in spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your marinara sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.

10. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh?

Yes, shredded mozzarella works perfectly and melts evenly over the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines the best of Chicken Parmesan with the pillowy goodness of gnocchi. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends and family. Try this simple recipe and savor every delicious bite!

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