Description
This One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired main course that combines tender gnocchi with fresh vegetables, vibrant basil pesto, and creamy cheeses. Baked in a single skillet for easy cleanup, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or casual dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the gnocchi, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Season everything with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Initial Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and slightly cooks the gnocchi, starting the melding of flavors.
- Add Greens and Sauce: Remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in the baby spinach, basil pesto, and heavy cream until all ingredients are well coated in the creamy pesto mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serving: Let the bake cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- You can easily swap out the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper for other seasonal or favorite vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms or asparagus.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free pesto and substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Add cooked rotisserie chicken or sausage to the skillet before baking to boost the protein content and make the dish more filling.
