There’s something incredibly cozy about the aroma of creamy sauce bubbling in the oven. This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort dish, and it’s taking weeknight dinners by storm for good reason. Who can say no to tender gnocchi smothered in a rich sauce and topped with gooey cheese?
This dish combines perfectly cooked gnocchi with tender chicken and buttery alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s like your grandma’s comforting casserole, but ready in under an hour. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to make a special trip to the storeyes, please!
Started making this for my family during chilly fall evenings a few years back. My daughter declared it her new favorite the first time I served it! I learned the secret to a great bake is not overcooking the gnocchi beforehandjust cook them until they’re slightly firm. This dish has become a staple because it’s so easy and satisfying.
This chicken alfredo gnocchi bake recipe is a creamy chicken gnocchi alfredo casserole that’s perfect for cozy nights. Enjoy the easy baked gnocchi chicken alfredo blend of tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a luscious sauce topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s a comforting one pan chicken gnocchi alfredo bake that the whole family will love.
1 lb chicken breast pounded to even thickness or sliced in half lengthwise into cutlets
2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter divided
2 shallots thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
3 Tablespoons flour gluten-free if needed
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi gluten-free if needed
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Method
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coat the chicken with half the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and some salt.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken in the hot oil, turning once, until it’s browned and just under fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
If the pan darkens too quickly, splash in a bit of water to help.
Remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board.
Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and melt it, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken.
Sauté the sliced shallots in the butter until they soften, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.
Add the rest of the butter and let it melt completely.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir to create a roux paste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat.
Raise the heat a bit and whisk until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.
Turn off the heat and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Add the chicken and uncooked gnocchi into the sauce, stirring until everything is coated.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
Rotate the pan during baking if needed for even browning.
Notes
If you prefer, prepare the chicken and sauce in a skillet then transfer to a sprayed 9×13-inch casserole dish before adding cheese and baking. This recipe works well gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gnocchi. Leftovers reheat nicely and the dish can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
Comforting and Cozy: This dish is a warm hug for your taste buds, perfect for chilly evenings.
Family-Friendly: Quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner everyone will love.
So Convenient: Simple ingredients mean less hasslemost pantry staples are enough to create this creamy chicken gnocchi alfredo casserole.
Endless Variations: Feel free to add veggies or swap proteins, making it a versatile meal that caters to your family’s preferences.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, it’s the star of our dish!
Potato Gnocchi: These little pillows of goodness soak up all that creamy sauce.
Alfredo Sauce Components: A mix of butter, milk, heavy cream, and cheese creates a rich and dreamy sauce.
Tools: A large oven-safe skillet or a separate casserole dish will work wondersno need for fancy equipment!
Ingredient
Purpose
Chicken Breast
Protein and flavor
Potato Gnocchi
Main carbohydrate source, absorbs sauce
Heavy Cream
Adds richness to the sauce
Cheeses (Mozzarella & Parmesan)
Provides cheesiness and a golden topping
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Prep Your Chicken: Season your chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat up a skillet and pan-fry the chicken until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
Create Your Sauce: Sauté shallots and garlic in butter, add flour to form a roux, then whisk in broth, milk, and heavy cream until thickened.
Combine Everything: Dice the cooked chicken, add it to your sauce along with the uncooked gnocchi, and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Transfer to a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your sauce is too thick: Simply whisk in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
If your cheese isn’t melting evenly: Give the dish a gentle stir halfway through baking to help distribute it.
Overcooked gnocchi? Remember, they’re going to cook a bit in the oven, so pull them from the pot while they’re still slightly firm.
Tweaks and Variations
Add Veggies: Spinach, broccoli, or peas can bring in extra nutrients and color.
Substitute the Protein: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or even shrimp for a different twist on the classic chicken Alfredo gnocchi bake recipe!
Make it Low Carb: Swap the gnocchi for zucchini noodles for a low-carb chicken gnocchi Alfredo bake that’s equally delicious.
Tweak
Description
Add Vegetables
Incorporate your favorite veggies for a healthy twist.
Replace gnocchi with zucchini noodles for a lighter dish.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: If you make a double batch, you can freeze a portion before baking. Just thaw and bake whenever you need a comforting meal!
Final Thoughts
Making this chicken alfredo gnocchi bake is your ticket to a cozy, satisfying dinner that everyone at the table will rave about. With its creamy texture and tender bites of chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope this recipe lights up your kitchen as it has mine! Enjoy every golden, cheesy bite!
Expert Says
Combining chicken and gnocchi in a Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake creates a delightful synergy of flavors and textures. The creamy Alfredo sauce enhances the dish while providing a rich source of calcium from the cheese, balancing the protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the gnocchi for a satisfying meal.
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The Journey to My Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
Perfecting this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake was quite the adventure. After several versions that turned out a bit too gloppy or bland, I finally landed on the right balance of creamy and comforting. Every taste test reminded me of family dinners, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it too!
FAQs ( Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake )
What is the best type of gnocchi for this recipe?
For this meal, use potato gnocchi for the best texture and flavor. Fresh or frozen varieties work well, but avoid the shelf-stable types, as they can become gummy when baked.
How can I make this dish creamier?
To enhance creaminess, consider adding an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce. Mixing in some grated Parmesan just before baking can also give a rich finish to your casserole.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes. Garlic bread is also a popular choice, adding a crunchy texture to complement the creamy casserole.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready. If frozen, ensure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the best texture, adding a splash of cream or milk if it appears dry.
Conclusion
This chicken alfredo gnocchi bake is just the kind of cozy dish that transforms dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in under an hour. The aroma alone will have your family gathering around the table in no time, eager for a taste!
Mix it up by adding your favorite veggies or using rotisserie chicken for extra ease. And here’s a little tip: if you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the oven, keeping that creamy texture intact. It’s a trick I picked up from my aunt, who always knew how to make leftovers feel special!
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Did you grow up enjoying a dish like this? Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends or pin it for laterit’s a comforting meal that deserves a spot in every home. Happy cooking!
