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Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake

This creamy, cheesy Pesto Chicken Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate 25-minute one-pan dinner. Made with juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, and a cozy basil pesto cream sauce, it’s an easy weeknight recipe that feels restaurant-level.
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)
  • 1 16-oz package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 1 cup light cream or half & half
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella for topping only
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan plus extra for serving

Let's Make It
 

  • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and mostly cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
  • Add uncooked gnocchi and cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the light cream and pesto, stirring until evenly coated. Gently fold in the spinach or kale until slightly wilted.
  • Let the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and the gnocchi begin to soften.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top (no need to mix in — the cheese melts beautifully this way). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.