Description
Comfort meets Italian charm in this hearty Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake, blending tender gnocchi with crispy chicken and melted cheese. Melty mozzarella and rich marinara sauce create a delightful fusion that will satisfy your craving for a classic, home-style meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Cheese and Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), preparing for a culinary transformation.
- Plunge gnocchi into a rolling, salted water bath, allowing them to dance and bob to the surface within 2-3 minutes. Rescue and reserve the tender pillows.
- Awaken a large ovenproof skillet with a gentle olive oil shimmer, introducing minced garlic to release its aromatic whispers.
- Pour marinara sauce into the fragrant landscape, accompanied by vibrant basil and oregano. Let the flavors intermingle and warm for 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce cooked chicken and gnocchi to the saucy ensemble, gently tossing until each morsel glistens with herbed tomato essence.
- Cascade mozzarella and Parmesan across the dish, creating a molten cheese blanket. Optional: Toss panko breadcrumbs with a delicate olive oil drizzle and scatter atop for a crisp crown.
- Slide the skillet into the heated oven, allowing 15-20 minutes for cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden landscape.
- Extract the bake, letting it rest momentarily. Shower with fresh parsley confetti and serve while warmth still radiates.
Notes
- Swap gnocchi for healthier alternatives like sweet potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to enhance their crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save cooking time and add more depth of flavor to the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or fontina for a more complex and rich cheese profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg