This Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
If you love chicken Parmesan, you’re going to want to try this Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi. It combines tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness in one skillet.
There’s no need to bread or fry the chicken, and everything comes together in one skillet before getting topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy panko breadcrumbs.
This is the kind of comforting dinner that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s hearty, flavorful, and has all the familiar flavors of chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make gnocchi dish.
The Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein. Using 2 cups of already-cooked chicken breast makes this recipe filling and satisfying while keeping the preparation quick and easy.
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi provides carbohydrates for energy and gives this recipe its soft, comforting texture. It also makes the dish feel substantial without needing a large amount of pasta.
Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce adds lots of flavor without requiring a heavy cream sauce. Tomato-based sauces also provide lycopene, an antioxidant naturally found in tomatoes.
Light Butter: A small amount of light butter is used to coat the panko topping. It adds buttery flavor while keeping the amount of added fat modest.
Mozzarella Cheese: Reduced-fat mozzarella provides protein and calcium while giving the dish the gooey, melted cheese that makes chicken Parmesan so delicious.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan has a strong, savory flavor, so a relatively small amount adds plenty of flavor to the dish. It also provides protein and calcium.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a light, crispy topping without having to fry the chicken. Using just 1/4 cup gives the casserole a satisfying crunch while keeping the topping reasonable.
Seasonings: Using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder help to add flavor without adding significant calories.
Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi
Spray an oven safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cooked chicken breast, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and coated in the seasonings.
Add the gnocchi and marinara sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is hot and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon melted light butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese.
Place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the panko is golden brown.
Let the Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for leftover cooked chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken can also be used. Just remove the skin and shred or chop the chicken before adding it to the skillet.
Do I have to cook the gnocchi before adding it?
No. For this recipe, the gnocchi can be added directly to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Follow the cooking instructions on your package if they differ, since gnocchi varieties can vary.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the skillet portion ahead of time and refrigerate it. For the best crispy topping, add the panko just before broiling and serving.
Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 (16 oz.) package gnocchi
- 2 cups fat-free marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon light butter
Instructions
- Spray an oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cooked chicken breast, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and coated in the seasonings.
- Add the gnocchi and marinara sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sauce is hot and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon melted light butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the panko is golden brown.
- Let the Chicken Parmesan Gnocchi rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:
Chicken Parmesan With Homemade Bread Crumbs
Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Copycat Recipe)
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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