Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner with Fresh Caprese Flavors

This Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. Inspired by classic Caprese flavors, this skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling fresh and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy one-pan meal
  • Ready in about 30 minutes
  • Fresh Caprese-inspired flavors
  • Family-friendly dinner
  • Minimal cleanup
  • Perfect weeknight recipe
  • Tender chicken and gnocchi
  • Creamy melted mozzarella
  • Fresh basil finish
  • Great for meal prep

Ingredients

Flat lay of chicken, gnocchi, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 16 ounces potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Four step collage showing cooking chicken, browning gnocchi, adding tomatoes, and finishing with mozzarella

  1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  5. Add gnocchi to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. Add cherry tomatoes and garlic.
  7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
  8. Pour in chicken broth and stir.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet.
  10. Add mozzarella pearls.
  11. Cover for 2 minutes until mozzarella softens.
  12. Remove from heat.
  13. Sprinkle with fresh basil.
  14. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
  15. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time
  • Add spinach before serving
  • Use mini mozzarella balls
  • Try grilled chicken instead
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Substitute turkey or shrimp if desired
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
  • Add Parmesan cheese on top
  • Include zucchini for extra vegetables
  • Finish with extra basil

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store in airtight container
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave
  • Not recommended for freezing

Serving & Pairing Ideas

One-pan chicken gnocchi skillet with mozzarella and basil

  • Quick weeknight dinner
  • Family meal
  • Casual entertaining
  • Summer dinner
  • Lunch leftovers
  • Meal prep option
  • Fresh garden-inspired meal
  • Side salad pairing
  • Garlic bread accompaniment
  • Comfort food dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?

Yes, shelf-stable, refrigerated, or frozen gnocchi all work well.

Can I use mozzarella slices instead of pearls?

Absolutely. Tear fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No. The gnocchi cooks directly in the skillet.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed freshly made while the mozzarella is soft.

Ready to Make It?

This Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet combines juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil into a simple one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavor.

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Chicken gnocchi skillet with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil

Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick one-pan Caprese chicken gnocchi skillet made with juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and tender gnocchi.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken breast diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

16 ounces potato gnocchi

2 cups cherry tomatoes halved

3 cloves garlic minced

1/4 cup chicken broth

8 ounces mozzarella pearls

1/4 cup fresh basil chopped

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze optional


Instructions

1. Season chicken.

2. Cook chicken until golden.

3. Remove and set aside.

4. Brown gnocchi.

5. Add tomatoes and garlic.

6. Pour in broth.

7. Return chicken.

8. Add mozzarella.

9. Cover until melted.

10. Top with basil and serve.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella for best flavor.

Do not overcook gnocchi.

Add basil at the end.

Serve immediately while warm.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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