Comforting Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake with Ease

There’s something magical about the smell of garlic and cream bubbling on the stove, wrapping the kitchen in an inviting aroma. This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s become a favorite for busy weeknights, where comfort meets ease, and who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy casserole?

Imagine fluffy gnocchi cradled in luscious Alfredo sauce, with tender chicken and a sprinkle of cheese melted to perfection. This dish is simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and no fancy techniques. Think of it as the cozy version of your grandma’s classic, but ready in under an hour! It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty yet wholesome.

I started making this delightful bake during the fall of 2015 when my kids began their first school year. One afternoon, the whole house filled with that creamy aroma, and my daughter rushed in with wide eyes, declaring it the “best ever”! I realized you can skip the stovetop fuss; just combine and bake. After testing it countless times for my family, I know this recipe brings smiles to the table every single time.

Olivia Farnsworth

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake: Delicious Cozy Comfort

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.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 481

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 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

 

1. Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Coat the chicken with half the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and some salt.
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken in the hot oil, turning once, until it’s browned and just under fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
5. If the pan darkens too quickly, splash in a bit of water to help.
6. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a cutting board.
7. Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and melt it, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken.
8. Sauté the sliced shallots in the butter until they soften, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.
10. Add the rest of the butter and let it melt completely.
11. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir to create a roux paste.
12. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat.
13. Raise the heat a bit and whisk until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.
14. Turn off the heat and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
15. Add the chicken and uncooked gnocchi into the sauce, stirring until everything is coated.
16. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
17. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
18. 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

• Comfort in a Dish: This recipe brings the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo and tender chicken right to your table, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy and Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a comforting family meal in less than an hour.
• Kid-approved: My daughter declared it the “best ever,” and I’m confident your family will feel the same!
• Flexible Ingredients: Use gluten-free gnocchi if needed, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

Key Ingredients & Tools

• Chicken Breast: Look for even thickness for easy cooking.
• Gnocchi: Fresh or frozen potato gnocchi adds a delightful texture that’s quick to cook.
• Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan provide rich flavor and a beautifully gooey top layer.
• Cooking Tools: A large, oven-safe skillet or a skillet plus casserole dish is essential.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F, then season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and pan-fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
3. Let the chicken rest, then prepare the creamy sauce in the same skillet by cooking shallots and garlic, followed by adding butter and flour to create a roux.
4. Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until thickened, then mix in diced chicken and uncooked gnocchi.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Troubleshooting & Helpful Tips

• Chicken Not Cooking Evenly: If the skillet gets too hot, add a splash of water to prevent burning while cooking through.
• Too Thick or Thin Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more milk. For too thin, let it cook a few minutes longer.
• For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a touch of nutmeg to the sauceit gives that restaurant-quality flair!

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; simply reheat in the oven for crispy edges!

Expert Says

In recipes like Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake, using high-quality cream enhances both flavor and texture. The fat content in cream helps create a rich, velvety sauce that envelops the gnocchi, ensuring each bite is indulgently satisfying. Don’t rush the cooking; let the flavors meld for a delicious result.

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The Journey to My Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake took me more attempts than I’d like to admit to perfect! I’ll never forget the first time I made it. The sauce was so runny it looked like soup! Now, after countless tests and comforting tweaks, it’s turned into a cozy, creamy meal that my family just can’t get enough of.

FAQs ( Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake )

Conclusion

You’ll love how easy this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake turns out! In just 35 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aromas of creamy goodness, making dinner a delightful experience.

For an extra twist, try adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor. And when it comes to leftovers, simply pop them back in the oven for a cozy meal that tastes just as good the next daya trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen!

I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this dish. Did you grow up with something similar? Share your photos or memories! Don’t forget to save or share this recipethere’s nothing quite like homemade comfort food to bring us all together.