Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Quick & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

This tantalizing chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet reimagines weeknight dinners into a culinary celebration of comfort and flavor.

Creamy, pillowy gnocchi mingles with tender chicken in a rich, golden-brown embrace that promises immediate satisfaction.

Italian-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious melody of textures and tastes that feel both familiar and exciting.

Robust seasonings elevate each bite, infusing the dish with depth and character that goes beyond ordinary pasta preparations.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seared chicken, forming a crisp, irresistible crust that beckons you closer.

Preparation becomes an effortless journey of combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

One skillet stands between you and a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi: A Skillet Star

  • Savor One-Pan Convenience: This chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet eliminates multiple dishes and simplifies cooking with a streamlined method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy Luxurious Texture Contrast: Crispy golden gnocchi paired with tender chicken creates a delightful mouthfeel, while melted cheeses add a creamy richness that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Celebrate Quick Weeknight Comfort: Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner that combines classic Italian flavors with hearty protein and pillowy potato dumplings, making meal preparation stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients for Gnocchi Parmesan

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying main component of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
Starches:
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that absorb flavors and create a comforting base for the skillet meal, preferably store-bought or fresh.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating golden-brown surfaces and adding rich flavor to the dish.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the skillet, helps create a silky sauce.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that provides tangy and robust background flavor.
Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creamy texture and sharp, salty notes to the dish.
Herbs and Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that provides a fresh finish and classic Italian touch.

One-Skillet Gnocchi How-To

Step 1: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes until fully done. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Golden Gnocchi Transformation

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, add gnocchi and stir until golden-brown and perfectly coated, cooking for 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the liquid thickens and lovingly coats the gnocchi, about 8-9 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Flavors

Stir in marinara sauce and gently return the chicken to the skillet. Warm everything together for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle with:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Broil in the oven until cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Pro Pointers for Chicken Gnocchi

  • Master the Sear: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
  • Gnocchi Golden Rule: Stir gnocchi frequently while browning to prevent sticking and ensure an even, crispy texture.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Let the broth reduce slowly to create a rich, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each gnocchi pillow.
  • Cheese Melt Magic: Watch the broiler closely to get that irresistible bubbly, slightly browned cheese topping without burning.
  • Fresh Finish Hack: Chop basil just before garnishing to release maximum aromatic oils and brighten the entire dish.

Store and Reheat Your Gnocchi with Care

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Prevent bacterial growth by keeping the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Freezer Method: Carefully pack the skillet meal in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if the dish seems dry.

Gnocchi Skillet Pairing Suggestions

  • Sip Sangria: A chilled Spanish red sangria perfectly complements the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan gnocchi with its fruity undertones and light acidity that cuts through the dish's heaviness.
  • Pair with Crisp Salad: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the skillet's warm, hearty flavors and add a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy cheese and savory chicken.
  • Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which echoes the marinara sauce's tomato notes and stands up to the robust chicken and melted cheese combination.
  • Serve Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread becomes the ideal side, helping to soak up the delicious sauce and providing a crunchy texture that enhances the gnocchi's soft, pillowy consistency.

Ways to Switch Up Your Gnocchi Dish

  • Spicy Southwest Gnocchi: Replace marinara with salsa, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Gnocchi: Swap chicken for roasted zucchini and eggplant, use tomato-basil sauce, and sprinkle with feta cheese.
  • Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi: Substitute marinara with a rich mushroom cream sauce, add sautéed wild mushrooms, and use gruyère cheese for depth.
  • Pesto Chicken Gnocchi: Use homemade basil pesto instead of marinara, add sun-dried tomatoes, and top with pecorino romano cheese.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet delivers Italian comfort with a modern twist. Crispy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and melted cheese create a hearty one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.33 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 16-ounce package gnocchi
  • 12 ounces marinara sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Liquid and Oil:

  • 1.5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Drizzle of olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet, positioning over medium-high heat with precision.
  2. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot skillet, cooking methodically for 6-7 minutes until the meat reaches complete doneness, ensuring no pink remains visible.
  3. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
  4. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce the remaining olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a luxurious cooking surface.
  5. Gently add the gnocchi, tumbling them carefully to ensure complete coating and promoting an even, golden-brown exterior through consistent stirring, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  6. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, reducing the heat to medium and allowing the liquid to simmer and gradually thicken, enrobing the gnocchi in a velvety sauce for 8-9 minutes.
  7. Introduce the marinara sauce, stirring to integrate, and return the reserved chicken to the skillet, warming everything together for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  8. Generously sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the surface of the dish.
  9. Position the skillet under the broiler, watching attentively until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden blanket.
  10. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear chicken first to lock in juicy flavors and create a golden-brown exterior before mixing with other ingredients.
  • Gnocchi requires patient browning to achieve a crispy texture and maximize its delicious potato-based potential.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop cooking to broiling for melted, bubbly cheese topping.
  • Simmer chicken broth carefully to create a rich, thickened sauce that beautifully coats each gnocchi piece.
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile and visual appeal.
  • Broiling creates a stunning cheese crust that transforms this one-pan meal into a restaurant-quality experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 543 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 895 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 132 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star