Save to Pinterest When comfort food cravings strike, this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi skillet answers the call with its irresistible combination of pillowy gnocchi, tender shredded chicken, and rich marinara sauce. Inspired by classic Italian flavors but simplified for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder brings restaurant-quality satisfaction to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The contrast between the soft gnocchi, juicy chicken, and crispy panko-Parmesan topping creates a textural masterpiece that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Save to Pinterest This skillet dinner was born from a desire to transform classic Chicken Parmesan into something easier but equally satisfying. By using pre-cooked chicken and shelf-stable gnocchi, you get all the flavors of the traditional dish but in a fraction of the time. The broiled panko topping creates that signature crispy crust without the hassle of breading and frying individual chicken pieces, while the gnocchi provides a delightful alternative to regular pasta.
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 topping)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Prep the oven
- Position an oven rack in the upper third of your oven. Preheat the broiler on low.
- 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.
- Toast the gnocchi
- Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Build the base
- 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.
- Make the 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.
- Add the toppings
- Remove the cover from the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the gnocchi mixture, then top with the prepared panko mixture.
- Broil to perfection
- Transfer skillet to the oven. Broil for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the panko is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Wenn Sie die Gnocchi vorher anbraten, entwickeln sie eine leicht knusprige Außenseite, die verhindert, dass sie im Gericht zu weich werden. Achten Sie darauf, dass Ihre Pfanne ofenfest ist – ein gusseiserner Bräter oder eine Pfanne mit metallischem Griff sind ideal. Falls Sie keine ofenfeste Pfanne haben, können Sie die Mischung in eine Auflaufform umfüllen, bevor Sie den Käse und die Panko-Mischung darauf verteilen.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine vegetarische Version können Sie das Hühnchen weglassen und stattdessen 2 Tassen gebratene Pilze oder geröstetes Gemüse verwenden. Gluten-freie Gnocchi und Panko-Brösel sind gute Optionen für Menschen mit Glutenunverträglichkeit. Für eine würzigere Version fügen Sie einfach eine Prise rote Chiliflocken zur Sauce hinzu oder ersetzen die normale Marinara-Sauce durch eine Arrabbiata-Sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Dieses Gericht ist bereits ein vollständiges Abendessen, aber ein knackiger grüner Salat mit etwas Zitronendressing sorgt für eine willkommene frische Note als Beilage. Ein Stück knuspriges Knoblauchbrot eignet sich perfekt zum Auftunken der übriggebliebenen Sauce. Als Getränk passt ein leichter italienischer Rotwein wie Chianti hervorragend, oder für alkoholfreie Optionen probieren Sie ein sprudelndes Mineralwasser mit einer Zitronenscheibe.
Save to Pinterest There's something undeniably magical about a meal that comes together quickly but tastes like it's been simmering all day. This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi skillet captures that magic perfectly, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table with minimal effort. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory chicken, rich tomato sauce, and that irresistible crispy, cheesy topping creates a dining experience that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for Wednesday night. As the seasons change and comfort food cravings grow stronger, keep this recipe close at hand—it's bound to become a new family favorite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and speeds up preparation by adding juicy, cooked chicken directly.
- → What type of gnocchi is best to use?
Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work well; avoid dried gnocchi to maintain a soft texture after cooking.
- → How do I achieve a crispy panko topping?
Mix panko with melted butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, then broil the assembled dish until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meat-free variation with similar richness.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A light Italian red like Chianti complements the rich sauce and cheesy topping beautifully, balancing the savory flavors.