Crispy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor, and this chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender, golden chicken nestles among pillowy gnocchi, creating a mouthwatering marriage of classic Italian-inspired ingredients.

Melted cheese cascades over each bite, promising a rich and indulgent experience that will make you forget about takeout.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor development with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking deliciousness without complexity.

Crispy chicken and soft potato dumplings merge in a sauce that speaks directly to your hunger pangs.

A sprinkle of fresh basil adds brightness and color to this irresistible one-pan wonder.

Grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again.

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Storage

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of this skillet meal and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight dinners. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze with Confidence: Cool the chicken gnocchi skillet completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed properly, the dish maintains excellent quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent gnocchi from breaking apart. Cover with a lid to ensure even heating throughout.
• Temperature Safety Tips: Always refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F when reheating. Discard any meal left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet: Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and satisfying flavor to the dish, selecting fresh, boneless cuts ensures even cooking and tender meat.
• Chicken Broth: Enriches the base with savory depth, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content and enhance natural chicken flavors.

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that create a comforting base, choose vacuum-sealed or fresh varieties for the best texture and authentic Italian feel.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth cooking foundation with a subtle Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for highest quality and authentic taste.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps achieve golden-brown gnocchi, use unsalted to control overall dish seasoning.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings tangy, classic Italian tomato flavor, pick high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones, select freshly grated for maximum melting potential and authentic flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates irresistible melty, stretchy topping, choose low-moisture variety for optimal browning.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, herbaceous finish, pick vibrant green leaves with no wilting.

Tools You Need for Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

• Large oven-safe skillet: Essential for cooking and broiling the entire dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring gnocchi and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add olive oil and butter.
• Tongs: Great for handling and removing cooked chicken.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: For preparing fresh basil garnish.

Cooking Directions for Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet

• Chicken Sizzle Preparation

Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil and cook chicken pieces until perfectly golden and tender. Once done, gently transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

• Gnocchi Magic

In the same skillet, blend butter and remaining oil. Toss soft gnocchi until they transform into crispy, caramel-colored delights. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

• Liquid Enchantment

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to embrace the gnocchi. Watch as the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth, creating a luxurious coating.

• Flavor Symphony

Introduce marinara sauce and reunite the cooked chicken with the gnocchi. Let the ingredients dance together, warming through and blending their tastes.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella generously across the skillet. Slide under the broiler until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden blanket. Scatter fresh basil leaves for a burst of green freshness before serving.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

• Swap store-bought marinara for homemade sauce to elevate the dish's taste profile and add a personal touch.
• Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a faster meal prep without compromising deliciousness.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of Italian seasoning to create a more robust and zesty flavor experience.
• Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein for a meatless version that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.

Serving the Chicken Gnocchi Dish

• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden. Its crispy texture perfectly complements the creamy gnocchi and provides an extra way to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light balsamic vinaigrette. The crisp, tangy salad balances the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet.
• Serve with Chilled White Wine: Open a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The light, refreshing wine cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Plate with Extra Basil Sprinkle: Add a generous handful of fresh basil leaves just before serving. The bright, aromatic herb adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire meal.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken parmesan gnocchi skillet combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta elements. Home cooks can savor this cheesy, herb-infused dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 1.33 lbs (603 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 16-oz (454 g) package gnocchi
• 12 oz (340 g) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Searing Protein: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high temperature. Cook chicken thoroughly until completely opaque, approximately 6-7 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Creating Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, introduce additional olive oil and butter. Incorporate gnocchi, tumbling gently to ensure comprehensive coating and achieving a golden-brown exterior through consistent manipulation, roughly 8-10 minutes.
3. Developing Sauce: Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, reducing heat to medium. Allow liquid to simmer and gradually thicken, enveloping gnocchi in a silky consistency for 8-9 minutes.
4. Layering Flavors: Integrate marinara sauce and return chicken to the skillet. Warm ingredients together, ensuring complete flavor integration for 1-2 minutes.
5. Cheese Transformation: Generously distribute Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the dish’s surface.
6. Final Broiling: Position skillet under broiler, monitoring closely until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden canopy.
7. Presentation: Embellish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while temperature remains optimal.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to 165°F internal temperature, eliminating any pink color for food safety and perfect texture.
• Gnocchi Golden Technique: Stir gnocchi consistently during browning to achieve an even, crispy exterior without burning, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Cheese Melting Precision: Watch broiler carefully during cheese melting stage to prevent burning, aiming for a perfectly golden and bubbly cheese topping.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Use the same skillet without cleaning between steps to preserve and build deeper, more complex flavor profiles from caramelized bits and cooking residue.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg