In an Instagram post, Galetti, who is chef-patron of Mere restaurant in London's Fitzrovia, said the break had given her time to get back on top of managing her business and family commitments, which had been the reason for her leaving the show last year.
She said: "A year ago I made the tough call to take a break from MasterChef: The Professionals. I’m so grateful for everyone’s support that allowed me time out to get back on top of managing business and family commitments.
"I'm delighted to say that I am able to come back to MasterChef: The Professionals this year and I'm super thrilled to see what new talent is out there."
Galetti will join fellow judges Marcus Wareing and Gregg Wallace when the show begins filming later this year.
Anna Haugh, chef patron at Myrtle, who stepped in for Galetti as a judge last year, commented on the Instagram post saying: "Chef great to see you back in the driving seat." MasterChef has confirmed that Haugh will return as a guest judge on the amateur series of show this year, which will be broadcast on BBC One in the coming months.
To apply for MasterChef: The Professionals Series 16, please go to: www.masterchef.com/professionals - applications close on 3 April 2023.