Creamy Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

Imagine the creamy goodness of gnocchi, juicy golden-seared chicken, and the bright burst of cherry tomatoes—all kissed by balsamic and crowned with gooey mozzarella. This Creamy Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet is a celebration of comfort food and fresh Italian flavor, all wrapped into one gloriously easy one-pan meal.

Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this skillet dinner turns fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella into a rich, satisfying weeknight staple. And thanks to a quick marination and clever layering, it’s loaded with flavor in every forkful—no need to boil the gnocchi separately!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Skillet:

• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 additional garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (plus extra for drizzle, optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Cooking Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while prepping other ingredients. This brief marination builds flavor into the chicken itself.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and the third minced garlic clove. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to burst and soften. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enrich the sauce.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then add the uncooked gnocchi. Let cook uncovered for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi is soft and the sauce thickens slightly.
• Stir in the baby spinach and reserved chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
• Turn off the heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let sit for 1–2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
• Remove lid and finish with a generous handful of torn fresh basil. Optionally drizzle with more balsamic vinegar before serving for extra zing.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Use marinated mozzarella: Swap regular shredded cheese with mozzarella pearls soaked in olive oil and herbs for added richness.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure the balsamic vinegar is certified GF.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the tomatoes. Add white beans or grilled zucchini for extra body.
• Serve it rustic: Garnish with whole basil leaves, a swirl of balsamic glaze, and cracked black pepper for restaurant-level plating.
• Wine pairing: Try a chilled Pinot Grigio or a lightly oaked Chardonnay to balance the cream and tomato acidity.

Conclusion

This skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in food form. Creamy, savory, and layered with bright basil and gooey cheese, it’s everything you want from a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. The marinated chicken brings flavor in every bite, and one-pan cooking means minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet delivers both style and substance. For more inspiration, visit the original recipe at Caprese Chicken Gnocchi Skillet.

FAQ

Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw them slightly or add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time. Make sure they’re fully cooked and tender before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter texture, or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if needed. It may slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.