Gooey Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake Recipe for Dinner

The aroma of melted cheese and crispy chicken parmesan gnocchi bake wafts through the kitchen, promising a comforting meal.

This delectable dish combines tender chicken with pillowy gnocchi, smothered in rich marinara sauce.

Layers of golden-brown cheese create an irresistible crust that beckons you to dig in.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, the recipe brings together classic Italian flavors in one stunning casserole.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of crispy chicken, soft gnocchi, and gooey cheese that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that create a comforting foundation for the dish, choose fresh or vacuum-sealed for best texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato sauce that provides rich, tangy flavor, select a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version for authentic taste.
• Olive Oil: Adds silky smoothness and helps develop deep flavor profiles, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth and warmth, select fresh cloves for maximum punch.
• Basil: Herbaceous element that introduces bright, fresh notes, choose fresh leaves for maximum flavor impact.
• Oregano: Classic Italian herb that enhances savory undertones, dried works perfectly in this recipe.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and heartiness, use boneless skinless breasts or thighs for tender results.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that creates irresistible stretchy texture, select whole milk variety for richer flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds sophisticated depth, choose freshly grated for best melting quality.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy topping that provides delightful crunch, select Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant garnish that adds color and light freshness, choose flat-leaf variety for best flavor.

Gear Needed for Gnocchi Parmesan Night

• Large pot: Essential for boiling gnocchi with enough water.
• Ovenproof skillet or casserole dish: Perfect for cooking sauce and baking the entire dish.
• Colander: Needed to drain gnocchi after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add herbs and seasonings.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot skillet and removing from oven.

Chicken Parm Gnocchi Bake Made Simple

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

• Cook the Gnocchi

Boil a pot of salted water and toss in the gnocchi. Wait until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside.

• Create the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet. Sizzle garlic until it releases its aromatic magic. Pour in marinara sauce with a sprinkle of basil and oregano, letting everything mingle and heat through.

• Bring Everything Together

Fold the cooked gnocchi and chicken into the saucy mixture, ensuring every morsel gets coated with deliciousness.

• Top and Bake

Shower the dish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. If you want extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and scatter on top. Slide the skillet into the hot oven.

• Finish and Serve

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly golden blanket. Pull out, let it cool slightly, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and dive in while it’s hot.

Upgrade Your Chicken Parm Gnocchi With These Ideas

• Quick Gnocchi Cooking Hack: Boil gnocchi just until they float to prevent a mushy texture, ensuring a perfectly tender bite every time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for versatile protein options.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free gnocchi and panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Veggie Boost Variation: Stir in roasted zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers before baking to add extra nutrition and create a more colorful, vegetable-packed dish.

How to Serve Chicken Parm Gnocchi Bake

• Cozy Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families wanting a quick, satisfying dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.
• Dinner Party Delight: Impressive enough to serve guests, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact. Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Magic: Stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 34 days, making it an excellent option for planned lunches or easy reheating. Simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350F for 1015 minutes.
• Customization Station: Swap chicken for ground turkey, add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition, or experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina to keep the dish exciting and personalized.

Smart Storage for Gnocchi Parmesan Bake

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the gnocchi bake fresh and tasty. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or entire dish in freezer-safe containers. Sealed meals remain delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Recommendation: Warm in oven at 350F for best crispy texture. Microwave works in a pinch but might soften breadcrumbs. Add small splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out during reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire dish earlier in day, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. Components like sauce and cooked chicken can be prepped 1-2 days in advance, making weeknight cooking smoother.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich layers of homemade chicken parmesan gnocchi bake promise comfort on a plate. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and pillowy gnocchi create a hearty Italian-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), setting the stage for a delectable culinary adventure.
2. Gnocchi Preparation: Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, then drain and set aside these tender potato pillows.
3. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Sauce Creation: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporate basil and oregano, allowing the herbs to infuse and warm for a brief moment.
5. Protein and Pasta Integration: Fold cooked chicken and prepared gnocchi into the herbed tomato sauce, ensuring each component is generously coated.
6. Cheese Transformation: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously across the dish, creating a luxurious cheese layer. Optional: Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and distribute evenly for a crispy topping.
7. Baking Finale: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven, bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Serving Flourish: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while piping hot.

Notes

• Gnocchi Perfection: Ensure gnocchi are fresh and plump; overcooking leads to mushy texture. Remove from water immediately when they float to prevent disintegration.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better flavor distribution. Mix mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, creamy top layer.
• Chicken Preparation: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly. Shred or dice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor.
• Crispy Breadcrumb Hack: Toast panko breadcrumbs lightly before adding to enhance crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking. Adds delightful textural contrast to the creamy dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg