Description
This One Pan Gnocchi Pesto Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make Italian-inspired main course featuring pillowy gnocchi baked with fresh vegetables, creamy pesto sauce, and melted cheeses. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this vegetarian dish blends vibrant cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers with basil pesto and cheeses for a flavorful and satisfying meal all cooked in a single pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Vegetables
- 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the gnocchi and vegetables evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the gnocchi, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and chopped red bell pepper. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so that the gnocchi and vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Prepare Pesto Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the basil pesto with heavy cream or whole milk. This will create a creamy pesto sauce that blends beautifully with the vegetables and gnocchi.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the creamy pesto mixture over the gnocchi and vegetables in the skillet. Gently stir to combine all ingredients, making sure the sauce is well-distributed. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add cooked chicken breast pieces or Italian sausage to the dish before baking.
- Use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto according to your preference.
- You can swap in any favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
