Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that just melts in your mouth, and that’s precisely what you’ll find with Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake. It’s one of those recipes that transports me to cozy evenings spent with family, where the aroma of garlic and creamy cheese fills the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly winter night, and I wanted something hearty and satisfying. As I stirred the creamy sauce and watched the gnocchi puff up, I knew this was going to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi enveloped in a rich alfredo sauce makes it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to throw together, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.

What You Need for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

The ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake are simple yet incredibly effective in creating a comforting and hearty meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor that come together beautifully. The rich flavors of cream cheese and heavy cream form the luscious alfredo sauce that envelops the potato gnocchi and chicken, creating a satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

• 1 tablespoon butter – This is used for sautéing the garlic and enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• 4 ounces cream cheese – This creamy base gives the sauce its rich texture.
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream – Adds luxurious creaminess to the alfredo sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth – This helps to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
• 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi – The star of the dish, fluffy and tender pasta that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• 2 cups cooked chicken – Provides protein and makes the dish hearty.
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided – Essential for that cheesy flavor and adds richness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for a deliciously cheesy finish.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

Cooking Method for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

Cooking Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is straightforward and fun! You’ll love the process of layering flavors and watching everything come together. Make sure to pay attention to the cooking times to ensure everything comes out perfectly creamy and delicious.

1. Start by taking the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before you begin cooking, or microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds until it’s very soft. This will help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven. While the oven is heating, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll want it fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
4. Stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Keep stirring for about 4 to 5 minutes until the cream cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to let it thicken too much since it will continue cooking in the oven.
5. Add the uncooked gnocchi and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently for 3 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi is coated in the sauce and begins to warm through.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the parmesan cheese. This will add a lovely cheesy flavor to the sauce.
7. Transfer the contents of the skillet into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly to allow for even cooking.
8. Top the mixture with the remaining parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese. This cheesy topping will create a delicious crust as it bakes.
9. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It should look inviting and ooze deliciousness.
10. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help the sauce thicken a bit more as it cools. Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake lies in its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to make it your own and suit your family’s tastes. Here are some tips to personalize your bake:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to give the dish an extra kick.

Accompaniments for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

When it comes to serving Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake, the options are endless! Here are some great ideas to consider:

• Salads: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad can balance the richness of the dish beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
• Seasonal Sides: Roasted vegetables can add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Storage tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container; they can be refrigerated for up to three days.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with tender gnocchi and chicken for a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. Enjoy this dish that warms both the heart and the stomach!

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for cozy gatherings or family meals. Try it tonight for a dish that's sure to please!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 to taste salt & pepper

Instructions

 

• Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour prior to starting the recipe, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds (should be very soft). Preheat the oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
• Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Stir in the cream cheese (I cut it into smaller pieces first), cream, and broth. Cook it for 4-5 minutes, stirring nearly constantly, until the cream cheese has melted in. Don't cook it for much longer because we don't want the sauce to get too thick since it still has to be baked.
• Add the gnocchi and chicken to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring often, for 3 minutes.
• Stir in half the parmesan then remove the skillet from the heat.
• Transfer the skillet mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer.
• Top the gnocchi with the remaining parmesan and the mozzarella.
• Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes prior to serving (the sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools). Season with salt & pepper if needed.

Notes

• Servings: Serves 4-6 depending on portion size/what you serve it with.

Keyword Chicken Alfredo Recipe, comfort food, Creamy Gnocchi Bake, Easy Dinner Recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.