Gnocchi Chicken Bake Recipe Easy and Irresistible
Our gnocchi chicken bake recipe is loaded with creamy chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and melty cheese. An easy, one dish dinner with spinach or your favourite extras.
You know that dish you make once… and then everyone keeps begging for it? This is that recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with pillowy gnocchi…. this chicken bake is pure comfort in a pan. 🧀🍗
According to Google Trends, search interest in “gnocchi chicken bake” has surged by over 60% in the last year. It is not surprising. Who can say no to a one-pan wonder that feels like restaurant quality food but comes together with pantry staples! So if you are feeding picky kids or impressing guests, this creamy chicken gnocchi recipe is a winner.
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi (pronounced nyo-kee) are soft, bite sized Italian dumplings that are kind of like pasta, but a bit heartier. They are usually made with mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, and they are super comforting… think of them as little pillows of goodness.
Gnocchi Ingredients:
The most popular kind is potato gnocchi, which combines mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour (sometimes semolina), and eggs. Some recipes also mix in ricotta cheese, herbs, or even pureed veggies like spinach or pumpkin to switch things up.
How to Cook Gnocchi:
Gnocchi are boiled in salted water, just like pasta. They are done when they float to the top which is usually in just a few minutes. Super quick and super easy.
Gnocchi Chicken Bake Ingredients
Potato Gnocchi (Store-Bought vs. Homemade) – Store-bought gnocchi is super convenient as you just boil it and you are good to go. It is a pantry lifesaver for busy nights. But if you have got the time, homemade gnocchi is on another level. It is soft, fluffy, and melts in your mouth. All you need is mashed potatoes, flour, and a little patience.
Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie, Grilled, or Leftover) This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Shred up some grilled breast or dice a few thighs. Or even better go and grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store as its flavorful, juicy, and no cooking required.
Creamy Sauce – Cream, Broth, or Cream Cheese Base The creamy base ties everything together. You can keep it light with a splash of cream and broth or go full comfort food mode with a cream cheese base for extra richness. Want it thicker? Simmer it down or stir in a little shredded cheese.
Cheeses being Mozzarella, Parmesan or Cheddar Options Mozzarella gives you that gooey stretch, parmesan brings salty sharpness, and cheddar adds bold, creamy flavor. Use one or mix all three, whatever you have got in the fridge.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Ingredient Extras
- Spinach and garlic for a fresh twist
- Mushrooms and thyme for earthy depth
- Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted capsicum for colour and tang
- Bacon or pancetta for a salty kick
- Broccoli, kale, or peas for veg-boosting
Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Swaps if Needed Go with gluten-free gnocchi (there are plenty of brands out there now), and use dairy-free cheese or coconut cream as substitutes. You won’t lose any of the flavor.
Gnocchi Chicken Bake Recipe
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach
Ingredients
- 2 small chicken breast fillets about 1 lb, trimmed
- 1/4 cup 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb 16 oz package potato gnocchi
- 2 teaspoons chicken stock power
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 1/4 cups cooking cream or heavy cream warmed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded four-cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley flat-leaf if available
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 375°F if using convection/fan). Place the chicken breasts in a 2-quart (8-cup) oven-safe baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture over the chicken, turning to coat well. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until fully cooked. Remove from oven, but save the foil.
- Shred the chicken using two forks. Add the gnocchi to the dish with the chicken. Dissolve the stock powder in the boiling water and pour it into the dish, along with the warmed cream. Stir well to coat the gnocchi and chicken evenly. Cover again with the reserved foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and stir in the spinach until it starts to wilt. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Reheat the remaining garlic butter in the microwave and brush it over the surface. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve hot.
So if you are craving something creamy, cheesy, or downright comforting, this gnocchi chicken bake hits every note. It is certainly adaptable, freezer friendly, and seriously crowd pleasing. If you are looking to switch up your dinner rotation or impress with minimal effort then this is it!
Ready to try it? Grab your gnocchi and let’s get cooking. Don’t forget to share our recipes online, we love to see how you remix yours.
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