Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Make this easy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi and transform a simple weeknight dinner into a comforting and delicious meal. The combination of pillowy-soft potato dumplings, tender chicken, and creamy alfredo sauce makes the perfect comfort food for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: Creamy alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken and gnocchi creates a warm, satisfying meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, reducing cleanup time so you can enjoy your meal without hassle.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast-iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for cooking chicken and baking the gnocchi dish perfectly.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts on the chicken and shallots for even cooking.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth alfredo sauce without lumps while incorporating ingredients effectively.
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
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Toss the chicken with 1 Tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Drizzle the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
Check that the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F; remove when it hits about 145°F as it will continue cooking later.
Transfer cooked chicken to a clean cutting board to rest.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan:
Add 1 Tablespoon of butter over medium heat and scrape up brown bits from the pan.
Add sliced shallots; cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.
Step 5: Create a Roux
Add remaining butter (3 Tablespoons) to the pan:
Stir until melted.
Sprinkle flour on top; stir to combine into a thick paste (roux).
Step 6: Combine Liquids
With heat on medium:
Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
Increase heat to medium-high; continue whisking until bubbling and thickened.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Turn off heat; dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces:
Add chicken to sauce along with uncooked gnocchi.
Stir everything together, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes:
Watch closely until cheese melts and edges bubble slightly.
Rotate pan if necessary for even browning.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Casual Dinner Setting
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
Family Style
- Large Serving Platter: Present the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi on a large platter for family-style dining, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Cheese Topping Station: Offer extra cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top if they desire a cheesier flavor.
Special Occasions
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the creamy sauce.
- Garnishing: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an elegant touch.
Leftover Ideas
- Reheating Tips: Serve leftovers in individual bowls and reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Creative Remix: Transform leftovers into a pasta bake by adding more cheese and baking until bubbly.
How to Perfect Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Perfecting Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delicious result every time.
- seasoning: Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before cooking. This enhances flavor throughout the dish.
- Even cooking: Pound chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure it cooks uniformly and stays juicy.
- Roux consistency: Make sure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is cooked properly; it should be bubbly but not burnt before adding liquids.
- Monitor gnocchi cooking time: Cook gnocchi just until they float; overcooking can make them mushy.
- Browning cheese: Broil briefly at the end if you want an extra crispy cheese layer on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like fontina or gouda for unique flavors in your sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and Caesar dressing offer a classic contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the main dish.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil and roast until tender for a flavorful side.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on toasted bread provide a refreshing appetizer.
- Caprese Salad: Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light side option.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, serve spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic alongside your gnocchi.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi can be simple and rewarding, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Ensure you pan-fry it just until golden brown and slightly undercooked, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Not Using Enough Seasoning: A bland dish is never enjoyable. Season your chicken and sauce well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor.
- Skipping the Roux: A roux helps thicken the sauce. Don’t rush this step; stir the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before adding liquids to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: The cheese is crucial for texture and flavor. Opt for good-quality mozzarella and parmesan for that rich, creamy finish.
- Crowding the Pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, they may steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until warm. Stir occasionally for even heating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of milk over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, soft potato dumplings (gnocchi), and a rich creamy alfredo sauce.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free gnocchi and flour to ensure this dish fits a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor.
How do I customize Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition or swap out chicken for shrimp or mushrooms based on your preference.
What cheese should I use for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
A combination of mozzarella and parmesan works best, providing creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while providing comfort on busy nights. Give this cozy dish a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a heartwarming meal. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, pillowy potato gnocchi, and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté shallots and garlic before creating a roux with butter and flour.
- Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until thickened.
- Add diced chicken and uncooked gnocchi to the sauce.
- Mix in cheeses and bake for 12–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
