Description
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with pillowy potato gnocchi, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. This Italian-inspired dish delivers classic Caprese flavors with the richness of a creamy sauce, perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Gnocchi and Dairy
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Add gnocchi and liquids: Stir in the potato gnocchi, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet until melted and well blended into the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and melt: Scatter fresh mozzarella balls evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the skillet, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve the dish warm, straight from the pan.
Notes
- Use store-bought shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for convenience.
- Add spinach or zucchini for additional vegetables and nutrients.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version of the dish, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
