My university is on break this week. Most people I know seem to be fleeing Michigan for warmer places, but since I’m staying in town, I’m leaving it up to my food to transport me (mentally) to balmy, faraway destinations. Last week I shared a tropical version of carrot cake with you, so we’re all set on the dessert front (which is, incidentally, how my family often works – make dessert first and figure out dinner later). Today, for our entrée, I’ve made us some Hawaiian pizza gnocchi!
Now, if the thought of tomato + cheese + pineapple makes you blanch, you should probably just stop reading now. People seem to be pretty divided on the topic of Hawaiian Pizza. I personally have always loved it and was puzzled when I first realized that it makes some people’s stomach turn. But to each his or her own, right?
Anyhow, if you’re still reading, I’ll assume you’re on board. This Hawaiian pizza gnocchi combines soft, pillow-y gnocchi with your favorite marinara sauce, chunks of sweet pineapple, shredded chicken (you can sub in pork or ham if you want to go the more traditional flavor route), and ooey-gooey, stretchy mozzarella. Does it get any better than that?
Yes, actually, it DOES get better, because this dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes! It’s super easy, since it uses premade gnocchi and marinara sauce from a jar (you can, of course, make these from scratch, but I’m all about embracing the lazy today – join me, why don’t you?!), and tastes like a pizza but without all that fuss of making and rolling out dough.
Now tell me (so I can live vicariously through you and/or have major travel envy), where was the best warm-weather/tropical/beachy vacation you’ve ever taken?
- 1 package (12-18 ounces) plain gnocchi
- 1 jar (24-28 ounces) marinara sauce
- 6-8 ounces fresh or canned pineapple, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces mozzarella, shredded
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- salt
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium for 1-2 minutes. Cook the chicken thighs until no pink remains. Once cooked, shred the meat with a fork.
- Boil water and cook the gnocchi according to the directions on the package.
- Wipe clean the skillet from the chicken with a paper towel. Combine the marinara sauce, pineapple pieces, and shredded chicken, and heat over medium low for 5-7 seven minutes. Add salt to taste.
- Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them and add to the sauce mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cook, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- I usually buy gnocchi from Trader Joe’s (they have a non-refrigerated package of about 1 pound of gnocchi, usually displayed near the pasta), but my local store was all out, so I bought a 12-ounce bag of frozen gnocchi from Whole Foods instead. Anywhere from 12-18 ounces of gnocchi will work with this recipe, which makes about 3-4 servings.
If you can’t go to the tropics, you might as well eat like you’re there! Love that mentality….and this cheesy gnocchi!
Exactly – I’m glad you agree 🙂
Oh my heavens! This sounds spectacular right now. Hawaiian pizza is my fave, but I had to keep that a secret while I was living in Italy, and now I’m so glad to enjoy those flavors again…especially in the winter. I can’t wait until the Trader Joe’s opens here so I can try their gnocchi! P.S. Long live Michigan winters, right? Rock your hard core badge of honor proudly. 🙂 This place isn’t for sissies.
Mandy, your comment totally made me chuckle. “This place isn’t for sissies” – well said! If you can’t find gnocchi, you might also try the chicken/pineapple/sauce over slices of polenta…that was the other option I was considering!
Ooh, that sounds pretty good too! There’s no shortage of gnocchi available here, I just haven’t found a store-bought one that I love yet. I make it homemade when I’m really in the mood, but I may have to do the polenta idea. I did however go ahead and have Hawaiian pizza for dinner tonight because you totally warped my brain with hunger for it ever since I read your post. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
You know what? Pineapple is actually my favorite pizza topping! So this dish totally makes sense to me, even though I would’ve never thought of mixing pineapple and gnocchi together. I’m adding this to my list of recipes to try out! PS I hope you’re keeping warm over there!!
Yay, pineapple-on-pizza lovers unite!! I’m keeping warm, for the most part – the snow right now is SO weird though! There’s a layer of smooth, glossy ice coating all the accumulated snow, so when you step into a pile of snow, the surface explodes into tiny pieces of ice and then your foot sinks down into the snow underneath.
girrrl this is SUCH a creative recipe, I am in love!! I am obsessed with hawaiian pizza so this spin on that is divine – Pinned! xx
I’m so glad it caught your eye, and to hear that you’re a fellow Hawaiian pizza fan! Thanks 🙂
i can only imagine how delicious this must taste!
Thanks! It’s pretty darn tasty – but you’ll have to try and see for yourself! Luckily it’s SUPER easy to make 🙂