Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup easy.
- Rich and cheesy – A combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and burrata makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Comfort food at its best – Hearty gnocchi with a flavorful chicken and marinara sauce is pure comfort.
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable – You can switch up the protein, sauce, or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Gnocchi
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ground chicken
- Salt and pepper
- Marinara sauce
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Burrata cheese
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and the onions turn golden brown (about 10-12 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked gnocchi, reserved cooking liquid, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake on the top rack for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Top with burrata and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use a different protein – Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage.
- Make it vegetarian – Use plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms instead of meat.
- Add extra veggies – Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
- Try a different cheese – Replace burrata with ricotta or goat cheese for a different twist.
- Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes! Homemade gnocchi works great, just be sure not to overcook it before baking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble everything in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed.
What’s the best type of marinara sauce to use?
Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
Can I use another type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni would work, but gnocchi gives the dish a unique texture.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the burrata for a lighter version.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with baked gnocchi?
Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Bake on the top rack and check it towards the end. If needed, cover loosely with foil.
Can I add more sauce?
Yes! If you like extra saucy gnocchi, add an extra ½ cup of marinara.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
This baked gnocchi with chicken and cheese is a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try out different variations and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Gnocchi with Chicken and Cheese is a cozy, one-pan meal featuring pillowy gnocchi, juicy ground chicken, and rich marinara sauce, all baked under layers of gooey mozzarella and creamy burrata. This easy 35-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share. Customizable and full of flavor, it's a dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chicken
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved gnocchi cooking water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz burrata cheese
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking liquid. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground chicken, cook until browned (10-12 minutes), and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked gnocchi, reserved cooking liquid, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan. Stir well.
- Top with mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Finish with burrata and fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or a plant-based alternative.
- Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
