If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, the One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe is the perfect answer. This cozy meal brings together pillowy gnocchi, vibrant pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. With just one pan and minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in a snap — trust me, it has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe plays a star role. These simple essentials combine textures and flavors that create a balanced dish bursting with freshness, creaminess, and a hint of tangy sweetness.
- 1 pound of gnocchi: Whether fresh or shelf-stable, gnocchi is the soft, tender base that soaks up all the delicious flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup of pesto: This herbaceous and nutty sauce ties the whole dish together with incredible depth and aroma.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and vibrant, they add bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup of spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh and slightly earthy flavor while boosting the nutritious value.
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible gooey texture.
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty contrast that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Helps to sauté the gnocchi and infuses a gentle richness throughout the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but crucial seasonings to enhance every flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fragrant herbal note.
How to Make One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s ready for baking right after you’ve finished the stovetop steps. This ensures your dish will develop that perfect golden crust and bubbling cheese.
Step 2: Sauté the Gnocchi
In a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté for 2-3 minutes until each piece develops a slightly golden exterior. This step adds texture, giving the gnocchi a delightful crispiness before baking.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes slightly soften, releasing their juicy sweetness and melding with the gnocchi flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in the Pesto
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently mix in the pesto. Make sure every piece of gnocchi and vegetable is generously coated in that vibrant, herby goodness. This sauce is the heart of the dish and imparts incredible aroma and flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the gnocchi mixture. These cheeses will create a luscious, bubbly melt that pulls everything together while providing a beautiful golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to become bubbly and golden — that’s your signal that this One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe is ready to impress.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes out of the oven, letting the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t slide off when serving. If you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
How to Serve One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a little extra Parmesan cheese right before serving elevates the dish’s flavor and presentation. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can add a subtle richness that rounds out every bite perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch. A light garlic bread on the side never fails to complement the cheesy, herby vibes of the bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the skillet for that rustic, homey feel or spoon portions into colorful bowls for a more casual, family-style presentation. For a dinner party, consider plating individual servings with a delicate basil leaf and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven to maintain the crisp cheese topping and prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method really keeps the texture spot-on.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully and cuts down prep time. Just choose a good-quality pesto for the best flavor.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
In that case, sauté the gnocchi and veggies in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
Is it necessary to use fresh gnocchi?
Not at all. Shelf-stable gnocchi works just as well and can be easier to find if fresh isn’t an option where you live.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, sausage, or even crispy tofu can make this meal even more filling without overpowering the pesto flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply swap mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheeses, and use a vegan pesto (or make your own without cheese) for a delicious dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, the One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect combination of quick, easy, and bursting with flavor — everything you hope for in a weeknight dinner that feels special. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to create a dish everyone will rave about!
Print
One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake Recipe
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking your dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi mixture.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- 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.
