Description
Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a one-pan meal combining juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with fresh basil and optional balsamic glaze. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with Caprese-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add gnocchi and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to burst and gnocchi begins to brown.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat, top with mozzarella, and cover skillet for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- No need to pre-boil gnocchi—it cooks right in the skillet.
- Frozen gnocchi works; cook a few minutes longer if using directly from frozen.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or arugula for variation.
- Vegetarian version: skip chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
