Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi: 6 Irresistible Steps

Name: Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup minced onion; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great); 17.6 ounces fresh gnocchi (not dried); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 24 ounces pasta sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; ¾ cup panko bread crumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi. And friend, this one is about to become your new weeknight hero.

You know those evenings when everyone’s hungry, your to-do list is still staring at you, and takeout is calling your name? This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi steps in and says, “I’ve got you.” It’s cozy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, really.

As someone who believes cooking should bring joy—not stress—I love recipes like this. A quick skillet, a handful of simple ingredients, and suddenly your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant… without the babysitter bill or the wait time.

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

Ready in 30 minutes (because who has an hour on a Tuesday?)
Uses rotisserie chicken for a major shortcut
Made in one oven-proof skillet
Crispy, buttery panko topping that tastes like comfort food magic
Family-friendly—even picky eaters usually go back for seconds

It’s everything you love about classic chicken Parmesan, but tucked into pillowy gnocchi and made weeknight-easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple and budget-friendly. No fancy ingredients required—just real, comforting food.

For the Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup minced onion
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works beautifully)
17.6 ounces fresh gnocchi (not dried)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
24 ounces pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Crispy Panko Topping:

2 tablespoons butter
¾ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Simple ingredients. Big payoff.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

This easy skillet dinner comes together in just a few straightforward steps. Nothing complicated—just good food done right.

1. Prep the Oven

Place a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat the broiler on low. This is what gives us that golden, bubbly top at the end.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat.

Add the garlic and onion. Cook for about 3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.

3. Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi directly into the skillet. Stir after about 2 minutes and cook for a total of 3–4 minutes.

No boiling required. That’s the beauty of this recipe.

4. Add the Chicken and Sauce

Stir in:

Shredded chicken
Pasta sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Mix everything well. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to soften and soak up all that rich tomato flavor.

5. Make the Crispy Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.

Stir in the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is evenly coated. It should look slightly sandy and buttery.

6. Add Cheese and Broil

Remove the skillet lid.

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top. Then scatter the panko mixture across the surface.

Place the skillet under the broiler for 5–7 minutes, or until:

The cheese is melted and bubbly
The breadcrumbs are golden brown

Keep a close eye on it—broilers work fast!

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil.

Dinner = done.

Skillet Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi with mozzarella cheese, basil, tomato sauce, and crispy panko topping — This skillet Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi features golden panko crumbs, gooey mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce in every bite.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi, it was one of those weeks. You know the kind—laundry everywhere, deadlines looming, and a fridge that looked uninspiring.

I grabbed a rotisserie chicken, a package of gnocchi, and hoped for the best. When that crispy topping came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, my family hovered around the stove like it was a campfire.

There were no leftovers.

That’s when I knew this recipe was staying in regular rotation.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

Let’s make this recipe foolproof.

Use Fresh Gnocchi

Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works best here. Dried gnocchi won’t cook the same way in the skillet.

Don’t Skip the Broiler

That crispy panko topping is what takes this from “good pasta dinner” to “why didn’t I make this sooner?”

Watch the Broiler Closely

Breadcrumbs can go from golden to too dark in a flash. Stay nearby.

Sauce Too Thick?

If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, add a splash of chicken broth or water. It’s not a problem—it’s just extra comfort waiting to be adjusted.

Want Extra Veggies?

You can stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini when you add the sauce. It blends right in.

Make It Work for Your Busy Life

This recipe is perfect for:

Hectic weeknights
Feeding teens with bottomless appetites
Casual dinner with friends
Meal prep (yes, it reheats beautifully)

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop.

It’s one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to, but any cooked, shredded chicken works. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from earlier in the week.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything except the panko topping. When you’re ready to serve, add the topping and broil. This keeps it crispy instead of soggy.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the gnocchi may soften slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before broiling and add the topping fresh when reheating.

What pasta sauce works best?

Use your favorite jarred pasta sauce. Marinara, traditional tomato basil, or even a spicy arrabbiata all work beautifully. Choose what your family loves.

Can I make it lighter?

You can reduce the mozzarella slightly or use part-skim cheese. The dish will still be creamy and satisfying.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 665
Protein: 44g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 26g

It’s hearty, filling, and packed with protein—perfect for keeping everyone satisfied.

Bringing Comfort to the Table

At the end of the day, Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi is about more than just dinner. It’s about walking into your kitchen after a long day and knowing something warm and comforting is only 30 minutes away.

It’s about that golden, bubbly top.
That first cheesy bite.
The quiet moment when everyone is too busy eating to argue.

This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi fits beautifully into real life—busy schedules, tight budgets, and all. And if your house smells like an Italian café while it’s cooking? Well, that’s just a little bonus magic.

Now tell me—are you team extra cheese or extra crispy topping? Either way, I think this one’s about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Keep the Comfort Going

If this cozy skillet of Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi made your weeknight feel a little easier, I have a feeling you’ll love a few more warm-and-cheesy favorites.

For another simple oven dinner with those classic Italian flavors, try the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. It’s just as comforting and even more hands-off.

If you’re craving something creamy and spoonable, the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl — especially on chilly nights.

Want a rich, herby chicken dish that pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread? The Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken never disappoints.

And if baked, bubbly casseroles are your love language, the French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole brings that same cozy magic to the table.

For even more inspiration, you might also enjoy this flavorful take on Chicken and Parmesan Gnocchi by Half Baked Harvest.