Save Experience the ultimate comfort of a classic Italian favorite reimagined for a busy weeknight. This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, succulent shredded chicken, and a robust marinara sauce, all finished with a golden, cheesy panko crust that delivers a satisfying crunch in every single forkful.
Save The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. By searing the gnocchi until they are slightly golden before simmering them in sauce, you develop a depth of flavor that usually takes much longer to achieve. A final blast under the broiler ensures the mozzarella is perfectly melted and the panko topping reaches its peak crispiness.
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 (for panko topping)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Position an oven rack in the upper third of your oven. Preheat the broiler on low.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- 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: Brown Gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- 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: Make Panko Topping
- 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: Assemble
- Remove the cover from the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the gnocchi mixture, then top with the prepared panko mixture.
- Step 7: Broil
- 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: Serve
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When browning the gnocchi, try not to stir them too constantly; letting them sit for a minute or two helps them develop a better golden crust. It is essential to use an oven-safe skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel, to safely transition the dish from the stove to the broiler.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and panko. If you prefer a bit of spice, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce before simmering.
Serviervorschläge
This skillet dinner is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti. For a fresh side, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Save Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick gourmet-style meal, this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Serve it piping hot directly from the skillet for the best experience.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi works well. Avoid dried gnocchi to maintain the soft texture in the dish.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and flavorful.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and panko breadcrumbs to adapt the dish while preserving its structure and texture.
- → What’s the best way to cook the panko topping?
Mix panko with butter, Parmesan, and seasoning, then broil briefly until it forms a golden, crisp crust atop the dish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble ingredients ahead but broil just before serving to keep the topping crisp and fresh.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A light Italian red like Chianti complements the rich flavors and balances the cheesy topping.