Pesto Ham Gnocchi Bake
Creamy pesto sauce mingles with tender ham and pillowy gnocchi in this comforting, cheesy bake that'll have your family asking for seconds.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 min6 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 16 oz package potato gnocchi
- 8 oz diced cooked ham
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- 3 In a large bowl, combine pesto sauce and heavy cream; mix well.
- 4 Add cooked gnocchi, ham, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and garlic to the pesto mixture; season with salt and pepper.
- 5 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 6 Top with remaining mozzarella.
- 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
- 8 Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Oven
Variations
- Substitute ham with cooked chicken for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Substitutions
- Use store-bought pesto if short on time.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
Pairings
- Italian white wine
- Sparkling water with lemon
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
25g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
25g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a heartier dish, add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating overnight before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use a blend of provolone and fontina for a similar melty texture.