Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

This cheesy baked chicken parmesan gnocchi is the kind of easy, comforting dinner you’ll come back to again and again. Made in one pan with simple, real ingredients, it combines tender gnocchi, savory ground chicken, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together under a layer of melty mozzarella. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the extra work.

why you’ll love this chicken parmesan gnocchi

If you’re craving a cozy, comfort-food dinner without a lot of effort, this chicken parmesan gnocchi delivers. It has all the classic flavors of chicken parm—savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese—but comes together in one pan with soft, pillowy gnocchi instead of pasta. Everything bakes together, so the gnocchi soaks up all that flavor while the cheese gets perfectly golden and bubbly on top.

Another reason this recipe works so well is how simple and low-maintenance it is. There’s no need to boil the gnocchi separately or juggle multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks in one skillet and goes straight into the oven, making cleanup quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.

It’s also a great family-friendly meal that’s easy to customize. You can add spinach or veggies for extra nutrition, use your favorite pasta sauce, or even swap in ground turkey if that’s what you have on hand. It’s one of those reliable dinners that feels hearty, comforting, and a little indulgent while still being simple enough to make on repeat.

ingredients you’ll need for chicken parmesan gnocchi

• Ground chicken: Lean, high-protein option that keeps the dish lighter while still flavorful
• Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated both work—these cook right in the sauce and get perfectly tender
• Pasta sauce: Use your favorite marinara for convenience and flavor
• Chicken broth: Helps cook the gnocchi and creates a rich, saucy base
• Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb flavor with minimal effort
• Oil: For cooking the chicken and building flavor in the skillet
• Mozzarella: Melts into that classic cheesy, bubbly topping
• Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor

step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and make sure you’re using a large oven-safe skillet or pan so everything can go straight from stovetop to oven.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the ground chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the Italian seasoning and mix well so the flavor is evenly distributed.
3. Build the base: Add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the skillet along with the pasta sauce and chicken broth. Stir everything together until fully combined, making sure the gnocchi is evenly spread out and mostly covered in liquid so it cooks properly in the oven.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, covering the entire surface so it melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the gnocchi is tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Broil for the finish: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, lightly golden, and slightly crisp on top. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

for a step-by-step tutorial of my chicken parmesan gnocchi, watch my video on Instagram

pro tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet: This keeps it truly one-pan and saves cleanup. If you don’t have one, you can transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese.
• Swap in bone broth for extra protein: Using bone broth instead of regular chicken broth is an easy way to boost the protein content while adding a richer, more savory flavor. It’s a simple upgrade that makes the dish a little more nutrient-dense without changing the cooking process.
• Stir before baking: Make sure the gnocchi is mostly submerged in the sauce so it cooks evenly. Any pieces sitting on top may stay too firm.
• Broil for a golden finish: For that classic cheesy, slightly crispy top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Let it rest before serving: Give it a few minutes out of the oven so the sauce thickens and everything sets up nicely.

variations

• Make it veggie-packed: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking for an easy way to add more vegetables.
• Add a creamy twist: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta with the sauce for a richer, creamier version.
• Switch up the cheese: Try adding provolone or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for extra flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara to give the dish a little heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and double check your sauce to keep everything gluten-free friendly.

more recipes to try & LOVE!

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Marry Me Chicken Skillet

Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

If you make this chicken parmesan gnocchi, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below, and if you share it on Instagram, tag @forgetthetakeout so I can see. Your support—through reviews, comments, and shares—helps me keep creating and sharing recipes!

Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi

This cheesy chicken parmesan gnocchi is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with simple ingredients. It’s a one-pan meal packed with flavor, protein, and melty mozzarella—perfect for busy weeknights.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 skillet

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon oil olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 16 oz uncooked gnocchi
• 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
• Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid if needed, then stir in the Italian seasoning so the chicken is evenly coated.
• Add the uncooked gnocchi directly to the skillet along with the pasta sauce and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the gnocchi is evenly spread out and mostly submerged in the sauce so it cooks properly in the oven.
• Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, covering the entire surface.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the gnocchi is tender when pierced with a fork.
• Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden on top. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Keyword 30 minute meal, chicken, gnocchi, one skillet

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