Cheesy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake.

Do you eat the same thing for dinner all the time? Are you tired of eating chicken breasts the same way over and over again? You have to try this wonderfully cheesy chicken and gnocchi bake. This is a great idea for a delicious dish that is full of flavors and colors. This casserole has quickly become one of the family’s all-time favorite recipes. 

I invited my parents for dinner. I do that very often. My mum is open to new things and she was very happy when she saw this gnocchi bake on the table. My dad was more skeptical. He is used to traditional Polish cuisine and often approaches new food ideas with great distance. But luckily he enjoyed the chicken and gnocchi bake very much. Phew…

Want to try a different chicken and gnocchi recipe? Try this. It is sensational!

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is a great idea for dinner. This is typical comfort food, satisfying and full of flavors. The combination of potato gnocchi, tender chicken, spinach, and sauce with mascarpone cheese is something new and surprising. The dish will undoubtedly gain many fans among family and friends.

Easy Creamy Chicken Gnocchi with Spinach | Recipe with Video – Pasta Mama Cooks

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake…

Super flavorful! Delicate gnocchi, tender and juicy chicken breast bites, amazing tomato sauce, slightly chewy mozzarella, and veggies are a great combination of flavors. Believe me!

Family-friendly dinner! – This meal is fantastic for a family dinner. It is also filling, and tasty and provides a lot of nutritional value.

You can add more of your favorites to this dish! This recipe does not limit you. If you want to add other vegetables, meat, or other types of pasta, feel free to do so.

And what exactly is gnocchi?

Gnocchi is not a form of pasta, but many people consider it pasta. It is a small Italian dumpling made out of potatoes. Gnocchi is usually made with three ingredients: cooked potatoes, wheat flour, and eggs, but there are many variations in this basic recipe.

Preparing this dish on your own is not a difficult task and even novice cooks will cope with it. However, you don’t have to do them yourself. In most stores, you can buy gnocchi, which is ready to eat after cooking. I have to admit that I usually use store-bought gnocchi to save time.

Want to make homemade gnocchi? You can check out these recipes…

How to Make Homemade Potato Gnocchi – Recipes from Italy

Easy gnocchi recipe | Homemade potato recipes | Jamie Oliver

Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or on the stove. I don’t recommend freezing this dish.

What is the best chicken to use for this dish?

The most popular meat is chicken breast. However, boneless and skinless chicken thighs are also good.

Maybe you have rotisserie chicken leftovers? You can use it here… They are great because they’re already cooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Cheesy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake.

Gnocchi – You can use homemade or store-bought gnocchi. If you want to save time, buy gnocchi at the supermarket. Prepare them strictly according to the instructions on the package. Gnocchi may get too soft and they may fall apart if they’re boiled too long.

Chicken Breasts – You need boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into smaller pieces.

Mozzarella – I recommend using mozzarella cheese for this recipe, but cheddar cheese or any cheese that melts will be great too.

Zucchini – Use one medium-sized zucchini.

Onion and garlic – Vegetables needed to spice up the taste of this dish. If you don’t like any of these ingredients, you can skip them.

Tomato Puree – Use homemade or store-bought tomato puree.

Zucchini – Use one medium-sized zucchini.

AND…

Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper, sweet paprika powder.

How to make Cheesy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake?

Step 1 First cook your gnocchi according to the package directions. Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces. Sprinkle them with pepper and salt on both sides. Heat the oil in the large pan. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the meat from the oil and place them in the bowl.

Step 2. Cut one zucchini into smaller pieces and add them to the pan. If necessary, add more oil. Sprinkle the zucchini with Italian seasoning or other favorite dry herbs and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. After frying, add to the bowl with chicken and mix everything.

Step 3. Now it is time to make a tomato sauce. Pour some olive oil or oil into the pot, add the chopped onion and chopped garlic cloves and fry for about 2 minutes, stirring from time to time. Pour in the tomato puree, and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4. Preheat the oven to 190 C/375 F. Pour 1/3 of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Then add half of the chicken zucchini mixture and then add the gnocchi. Top the gnocchi with 1/3 of the grated cheese. Then add about 3 tablespoons of the sauce and the rest of the chicken and zucchini. At the very end, pour the rest of the sauce and the rest of the grated cheese. Place in the oven and bake for approx. 20 – 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to brown and the sauce is cooking around the edges of the casserole.

Chicken and gnocchi bake – printable recipe