Hey y’all! If you’re craving a twist on a classic Italian favorite, you’ve got to try this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake. It’s loaded with juicy Chicken, plump gnocchi, melty mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether it’s a relaxed weeknight or you’re hosting friends, this satisfying one-pan meal dazzles every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in under an hour for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
- The ultimate comfort food with soft gnocchi, gooey cheese, and crispy topping.
- One-pan bake means less cleanup and simple serving.
- Delightful crowd-pleaser that feeds the whole family.
- Easily customizable for your favorite flavors or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 2 cups cooked Chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Bake
- In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until the crumbs are well coated.
5. Layer and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the gnocchi mixture, then top evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
- If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin for the best texture in the bake.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—once they float, they’re ready.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and panko breadcrumbs.
Required Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Storage Instructions
- Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, 10-15 minutes.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Serve alongside garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
- A glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon brings out the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips
- Toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet first for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes for a meltier finish.
- Add a dash of balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken?
No, this recipe requires cooked chicken to ensure everything bakes evenly and safely.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake (without the breadcrumb topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Either shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh potato gnocchi will work—just be sure to cook according to package directions before using in the bake.
Prep Time & Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
-
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain.
-
3In a large bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, oregano, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
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4Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
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5Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
540 caloriescal
Protein:
35gg
Fat:
18gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
62gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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