June 16, 2026 · 5 min

Cheesy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake with Marinara and Panko Crust

Dinner5 min607 cal / serving

When weeknights are hectic, this oven-ready chicken and gnocchi bake is your saving grace. With minimal prep and just one dish, you can have a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Pillowy potato gnocchi swim in a buttery marinara sauce, while chicken cutlets get a crunchy panko and mozzarella topping. A pinch of chili flakes adds a gentle kick.

This recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing taste. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. It’s the perfect solution for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, no-fuss meal.


Recipe details

Dinner5 min607 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories607 kcalProtein48.7 gFat17.6 gCarbs61.2 gSugar14.9 gFiber7.3 gSodium1099 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Marinara Sauce14 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guide
Oven-Ready Tray2 unit Oven-Ready TrayView ingredient guide
Mozzarella Cheese0.5 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guide
Panko Breadcrumbs0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Chicken Cutlets10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guide
Italian Seasoning1 teaspoon Italian SeasoningView ingredient guide
Gnocchi1 unit GnocchiView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use two small oven-safe trays.
  2. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish.
  3. Add the gnocchi in a single layer over the sauce, gently pressing them down so they are partially submerged.
  4. Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning on both sides. Place the cutlets on top of the gnocchi.
  5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, then top with panko breadcrumbs and chili flakes.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!

Recipe Tips

For extra crispiness, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

If using homemade gnocchi, you can boil them briefly before adding to the dish to ensure they are tender.

Feel free to substitute chicken cutlets with boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness.

FAQ

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. There is no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

DandyRecipes community

Rate and discuss this recipe

Your rating and comments help other DandyRecipes readers decide what to cook next.

Your recipe vote

No DandyRecipes user votes yet.

Recipe comments

0 DandyRecipes comments

No DandyRecipes comments yet.

More recipe ideas

12 similar recipes you might like

These suggestions are based on shared ingredients, meal type, and recipe metadata.