Description
This Creamy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Bake is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this dish combines rich flavors and a creamy texture for a delightful family meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
Carbohydrates
- 16 ounces Store-bought Gnocchi (made from potatoes, flour, and eggs)
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (divided)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 handful Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Oils
- Olive oil, a drizzle for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to infuse the sauce with rich flavor.
- Cook Gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically boiling until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently fold them into the creamy chicken sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the gnocchi and chicken mixture evenly inside.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Store-bought gnocchi speeds up preparation, but homemade gnocchi can be used for a fresher taste.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more Italian herbs or crushed red pepper for a spicier kick.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
- This bake pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
