Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Delight

A comforting skillet dinner combining pillowy gnocchi, juicy shredded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a crisp, cheesy panko topping—ready in just 30 minutes for an Italian-inspired twist on classic comfort food.

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This easy 4-serving dish takes the stress out of dinner by utilizing smart shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi. With a total time of only 30 minutes, it's a perfect solution for a hearty, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup minced onion (1 small onion)
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 17.6 ounces (500 g) gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable, not dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 24 ounces (680 g) pasta or marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Instructions

Step 1

Position an oven rack in the upper third of your oven. Preheat the broiler on low.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.

Step 4

Stir in the shredded chicken, pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 5

While the chicken mixture heats, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add panko, Parmesan, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; stir to combine.

Step 6

Remove the cover from the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the gnocchi mixture, then top with the prepared panko mixture.

Step 7

Transfer skillet to the oven. Broil for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the panko is golden brown.

Step 8

Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large oven-safe skillet and a microwave-safe bowl for prepping the panko topping. Be sure to have your oven mitts ready when transferring the hot skillet to the broiler. Additionally, this recipe contains allergens including milk, wheat, egg, and chicken; always check labels on store-bought gnocchi and panko to confirm ingredients.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can easily adapt this dish to be gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and panko breadcrumbs. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Serviervorschläge

This rich and cheesy gnocchi dish pairs beautifully with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors.

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Serve this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi hot for a satisfying meal. Each serving provides approximately 665 calories, 26g of fat, 65g of carbohydrates, and 44g of protein, making it a substantial and delicious comfort food option.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi be used?

Yes, both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well, but avoid dried varieties to maintain the desired texture and cooking time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian twist.

→ What is the best way to achieve a crispy panko topping?

Broil the dish for 5-7 minutes after adding the panko and cheese mixture, watching closely to avoid burning.

→ Are there gluten-free options available?

Use gluten-free gnocchi and panko breadcrumbs to adapt this dish for gluten sensitivities.

→ Can extra flavor be added to the sauce?

A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the marinara sauce enhances the flavor with a subtle heat.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet meal?

A crisp green salad or a light Italian red wine such as Chianti complements the rich flavors beautifully.