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One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi with vibrant pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a cheesy topping all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Gnocchi and Vegetables

  • 1 pound of gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup of spinach, roughly chopped

Sauces and Oils

  • 1 cup of pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking your dish.
  2. Sauté the gnocchi: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden and crispy on the outside.
  3. Add vegetables: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped spinach. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
  4. Mix in pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and add 1 cup of pesto. Stir well to ensure all the gnocchi and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi mixture.
  6. Bake the dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  7. Serve and garnish: Allow the bake to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for an added burst of freshness and color.

Notes

  • Fresh gnocchi works best for this recipe, but shelf-stable gnocchi can be used as well.
  • Homemade pesto enhances flavor, but store-bought pesto is a convenient alternative.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with vegan cheese.
  • Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish for baking.
  • Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more variety.