Baked Pesto Gnocchi with Tuna [gluten-free + vegan option]

This baked pesto gnocchi with tuna is an easy, protein-packed comfort meal made with pesto, spinach, crispy parmesan breadcrumbs, and pillowy gnocchi.

If cozy comfort food and a quick weeknight dinner had a ridiculously delicious baby, this Baked Pesto Gnocchi with Tuna would be it. Pillowy gnocchi, vibrant pesto, melty parmesan, crispy golden breadcrumbs, and protein-packed tuna all baked together into one bubbling skillet of happiness? Say less.

This recipe is one of those magical “looks fancy, takes barely any effort” meals that feels equally appropriate for a busy Tuesday or a casual dinner with friends. Plus, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like spinach and tuna, so you can feel mildly smug while going back for seconds.

Bonus points: you can easily make this gluten-free and even swap in cauliflower gnocchi for extra veggie goodness. Basically, this recipe understands the assignment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comes together in under 30 minutes
• Packed with protein and flavor
• Crispy golden topping = elite texture
• Works with regular, gluten-free, or cauliflower gnocchi
• Minimal prep, maximum comfort
• Fancy enough to impress, easy enough to make half-asleep

Ingredients

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 lbs whole wheat or gluten-free gnocchi
• 9 oz canned tuna
• 3/4 cup refrigerated pesto
• 3/4 cup whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the spinach to wilt slightly.
2. Drain the gnocchi and spinach, then transfer to a baking dish. Add the tuna and pesto, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the gnocchi.
4. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
5. Serve warm with extra pesto or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Print

Tips & Swaps

• Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi works beautifully here
• Add cherry tomatoes for extra brightness
• Want more crunch? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes
• Swap Parmesan for dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free
• Leftovers are outrageously good the next day

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

12 responses to “Baked Pesto Gnocchi with Tuna [gluten-free + vegan option]”

1. It looks yummy! Now it’s my watering turn xD
   Is the tuna in Blue Harbor Fish Co Albacore Tuna kinda dry? Never seen it before.

   • I don’t find the tuna dry at all! Tastes very fresh to me!! 🙂

2. Yum! This looks delicious. We love gnocchi but I’ve never baked it before. I don’t know if we can find that tuna here in Costa Rica but there are plenty of local options. This would be a great option for using leftover homemade pesto.

   • Thanks Justin! Yes, you could totally use fresh cooked tuna if that’s all you have available. It will be just as delicious!! 🙂

3. This looks yummy! That’s awesome your mom did that, that’s what they are starting to do for young kids now to help with food allergies. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday. Hope to see you at the party next week

   • Thanks for reading Jenny! Yes, my mom is a nurse and I think she was a little ahead of the times in terms of alleviating food allergies.

4. Your Baked Pesto Gnocchi with Tuna looks delicious! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
   Miz Helen

   • Thanks Helen!! Hope you try it!!

5. This sounds divine, I clicked because I adore pesto. However, I can’t eat potato so I need to find gnocchi I can eat that doesn’t have potato in it..if that is even a thing…I do miss gnocchi

   • I think you should definitely be able to find gnocchi that is not made with potatoes!! LMK if you try this.

6. “Add the gnocchi” ??? To WHAT??????

   • Recipe updated! Hope that helps!!

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