Pesto Turkey Gnocchi Bake
Creamy pesto sauce clings to tender turkey and pillowy gnocchi in this comforting, cheesy bake.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 min6 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 16 oz package potato gnocchi
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 3 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, breaking into crumbles, and cook until no longer pink.
- 4 Stir in marinara sauce, pesto, and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- 5 In a greased baking dish, layer half the gnocchi, then the turkey mixture, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- 6 Top with remaining gnocchi and sprinkle with basil.
- 7 Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 8 Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Oven
Variations
- Substitute chicken for turkey for a different protein.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
Substitutions
- Use store-bought pesto if short on time.
- Substitute ground beef if turkey isn't available.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a cold Italian lager.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
18g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
28g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
700mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the turkey mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the bake and refrigerate 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 before reheating in a preheated oven at 375°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Absolutely, fresh basil adds a vibrant touch – use about 1/2 cup chopped.