If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl, then let me introduce you to the One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Imagine pillowy gnocchi baked in a creamy, cheesy pesto sauce, dotted with juicy cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach, then finished under a golden mozzarella crust. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company, and everything bakes together in one skillet. Prepare to fall in love, and—fair warning—your fork is going to fight for seconds.

One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of vibrant, flavor-packed staples. Each ingredient brings its own touch—whether it’s creamy, tangy, fresh, or a little bit spicy—for a perfect balance in every bite of this One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.

Potato gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of sauce and get golden edges when baked.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
Fresh baby spinach: Wilts down into the sauce, adding a healthy green flavor and lovely texture.
Basil pesto: Delivers bold basil flavor and turns the whole dish into a Mediterranean dream.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, indulgent sauce that coats the gnocchi.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth to the sauce—and you can never have too much cheese, right?
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into cheesy strings and browns beautifully on top for the ultimate casserole finish.
Garlic, minced: Sautéed at the start for irresistible aroma and flavor foundation.
Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing all the Mediterranean flavors together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a little heat with your comfort.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors—you can adjust these to your liking.
Fresh basil leaves: The perfect garnish for a fresh, herbal finish and an extra touch of color.

How to Make One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want that oven hot and ready so your bubbly gnocchi bake comes out perfectly golden on top. Trust me, patience pays off when the cheese starts browning into cheesy bliss.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Gnocchi

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about one minute—just until it’s beautifully fragrant but not browned. Next, toss in the gnocchi and let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes. Give them a gentle stir, so every side gets a hint of golden color and soaks up the garlicky flavor.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Sauce

Time to pile on the color and flavor! Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, basil pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Mix everything well so the gnocchi are evenly coated in that luscious, pesto-flecked sauce and the spinach just starts to wilt from the heat.

Step 4: Top with Mozzarella and Bake

Remove your skillet from the heat and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Slide the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes. Watch as the mozzarella melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown in spots. That’s your cue for ultimate comfort food goodness!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is irresistibly bubbly and golden, pull the skillet out and let it cool for a minute. Finish your One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with a generous scattering of fresh basil leaves before ladling it up. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the table.

How to Serve One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves is the classic finishing touch, but you can have fun here—try extra grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, a drizzle of quality olive oil, or even toasted pine nuts for crunch. Each garnish adds another layer of flavor and a bit of restaurant-worthy flair at home.

Side Dishes

This One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is a feast on its own, but it plays well with sides too. Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of crusty bread to mop up every drop of that pesto cream. Roasted asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, bring the skillet straight to the table—there’s something inviting about digging in family-style. If you’re entertaining, spoon individual portions into shallow bowls and top each with extra basil and cheese for a show-stopping dinner plate. Mini cast iron skillets make adorable, personal-size servings if you really want to get fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe keeps beautifully! Let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a lunch or dinner winner midweek.

Freezing

While freshly baked is always best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled portions in airtight containers or wrap securely with foil, then freeze for up to one month. To maintain the texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty—usually about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just do short bursts and stir halfway to heat evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi or do I need homemade?

Store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly for One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s quick, convenient, and becomes extra delicious when sautéed and baked in the sauce. Homemade gnocchi would be delicious if you’re up for it but isn’t necessary.

What’s the best pesto to use?

Go with your favorite high-quality basil pesto—either homemade or store-bought. For a tasty twist, you can use sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spinach-based option to switch up the flavors.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Stir in cooked shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or even sautéed shrimp before baking to add a protein punch and make the meal heartier. It’s a great way to customize One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe to your taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe fully vegetarian?

Yes—just be sure to choose a vegetarian-friendly pesto (some contain Parmesan made with animal rennet) and use rennet-free cheeses. You’ll get all the flavor and comfort, no meat required.

How can I make it spicier?

For heat lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle chili oil over the finished bake for an extra fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like scooping into a bubbling skillet of One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe and watching the cheese stretch for miles. It’s pure comfort, bursting with bold flavors and ready in the time it takes to set the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy, cheesy One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake. Tender potato gnocchi, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach are bathed in a creamy basil pesto sauce, topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella. It’s a simple yet decadent dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Gnocchi:

1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi

Pesto Sauce:

1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Cheese:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Others:

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Sauté Garlic and Gnocchi: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
Add Ingredients: Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, pesto, cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Top with Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, add cooked chicken or Italian sausage before baking.
Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a flavor twist.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, One-Pan Meal
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired