Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful skillet dish that combines tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and rich tomato sauce topped with bubbly melted cheese and a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup minced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 17.6 ounces gnocchi (fresh, not dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven broiler to low and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and onion for about 3 minutes, or until translucent. Add the gnocchi and stir after 2 minutes, cooking for a total of 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Combine the melted butter with panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until fully mixed.
- Step 5: Remove the lid from the skillet and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Then, spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 6: Place the skillet under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi—just thaw frozen gnocchi before cooking. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant instead.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, add a little extra pasta sauce before baking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken Parmesan gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s moisture and keep the topping slightly crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried gnocchi for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or refrigerated gnocchi because dried gnocchi require longer cooking times and different preparation. Fresh gnocchi cooks nicely in the skillet and blends well with the sauce.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work, but they might result in a less crispy topping. Toasting them lightly before adding to the topping can improve texture.
PrintChicken Parmesan Gnocchi Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender gnocchi, shredded rotisserie chicken, and a savory tomato pasta sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella, a crispy buttery panko and Parmesan crust, and fresh basil, this dish combines Italian flavors with easy stovetop and broiler cooking for a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup minced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 17.6 ounces fresh gnocchi
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Place an oven rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat the broiler on low to prepare for finishing the dish under high heat.
- Sauté Aromatics and Gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion, and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the gnocchi, stirring after 2 minutes, cooking all together about 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Stir in shredded chicken, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5 minutes so flavors meld and the gnocchi cooks fully.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until thoroughly combined to create the breadcrumb topping.
- Assemble Topping in Skillet: Remove the cover from the skillet, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Then, distribute the panko breadcrumb mixture across the cheese layer.
- Broil to Finish: Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Carefully remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or refrigerated gnocchi for best texture; dried gnocchi may not cook properly in this recipe.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or cook your own.
- If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the toppings and broiling.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent burning of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but use about one-third of the amount.
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Gnocchi, Italian, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Rotisserie Chicken, Broiled Cheese Topping

