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
Scale
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.
