Go Back
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake for Busy Weeknights
Youssef Hb

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake

This comforting Italian-American dish elevates a busy weeknight meal by combining succulent, golden-seared chicken with crispy pan-fried gnocchi. Tossed in a vibrant marinara sauce and blanketed in a rich layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this single-skillet bake offers a restaurant-quality experience in under 40 minutes. It is a hearty, family-friendly dinner solution that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing the classic flavors everyone loves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • 16 oz gnocchi, shelf-stable or refrigerated
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes; remove and set aside.
  4. Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet if dry.
  5. Sauté the gnocchi until a golden-brown crust develops, about 10 minutes; set aside with the chicken.
  6. Return chicken and gnocchi to the skillet and toss with the marinara sauce.
  7. Top evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Searing the gnocchi instead of boiling them ensures they maintain a crisp texture rather than becoming mushy in the sauce. You can customize this by adding fresh spinach or bell peppers during the sauté step.