This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe is the ultimate comforting dish that brings together pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce in one irresistible bake. Imagine a bubbling hot skillet straight from the oven with golden, melty cheese on top and rich, creamy sauce underneath—this recipe offers all that and more. The delicate Italian seasoning on the chicken perfectly complements the cheesy sauce, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe is a guaranteed way to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe sing. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—whether it’s the tender chicken that adds heartiness, the creamy sauce that binds everything, or the perfectly gooey cheeses that top it off.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Pounded to even thickness or sliced into cutlets for quick, uniform cooking.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps create a crisp, golden sear on the chicken and adds richness to the pan sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory aroma.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Adds fragrant herbal notes that deepen the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Builds the buttery base for the Alfredo sauce and caramelizes the shallots.
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced): Provide a mild sweetness that softens beautifully in the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings fresh, punchy flavor that brightens up the creamy sauce.
- 3 Tablespoons flour: Creates a roux to give the sauce a luxuriously thick texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
- 2 cups milk: Forms the creamy, velvety base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to rich, silky perfection.
- 1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi: The soft, pillowy pasta star that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into stringy, golden goodness on top.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, sharp contrast within the cheese blend.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the chicken breast pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—this simple mixture really sets the stage for bold flavor. Then, heat a skillet and drizzle the remaining olive oil to pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook until golden brown but slightly underdone inside; it will finish cooking in the oven later. Don’t forget to add a little splash of water to help prevent burning if needed while cooking the chicken to juicy perfection.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet after removing the chicken, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté thinly sliced shallots until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for an extra aromatic boost. Add the rest of the butter and quickly whisk in the flour, creating a roux that’s the perfect base for a creamy sauce. Slowly pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream—whisk continuously to avoid lumps—and cook until bubbling and thickened to a smooth, silky consistency. This homemade sauce is the heart of the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Gnocchi, and Sauce
Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it straight into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Then fold in the uncooked gnocchi, letting the soft pillows soak up that incredible Alfredo flavor. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan generously over the top—these cheeses will melt into a golden, bubbly crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a stunning bubbly, golden crown that’s perfectly crisp at the edges. Keep an eye on it, and rotate the pan halfway through for even browning. When it comes out of the oven, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy masterpiece with tender chicken and gnocchi that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top right before serving. The fresh green herbs add a pop of color and a lively contrast to the richness of the dish, making each bite feel as vibrant as it is comforting.
Side Dishes
This bake is quite filling, so pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette brightens the plate. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli also add a fresh, crunchy balance to the creamy gnocchi and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets to showcase the bubbly cheese crust on top. You could even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch that will impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and harmonize even more after resting overnight.
Freezing
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave it covered on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works well—just be sure not to thaw it before baking so it holds its shape and texture perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe can be made gluten-free by swapping regular flour for gluten-free flour and using gluten-free gnocchi if needed, making it a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I use another type of cheese in this bake?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina, asiago, or even gouda for unique flavor profiles and different melt textures.
How spicy is the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe?
This recipe leans toward the creamy and mild side, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you love a little heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely. You can assemble the bake a few hours ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake it just before serving. Just add an extra few minutes to baking if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your loved ones with comforting, cheesy goodness, this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. There’s nothing quite like that blissful combination of tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pillowy gnocchi all baked beneath a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be a meal you reach for again and again—so go ahead and get cooking!
PrintChicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender pan-fried chicken breast, soft potato gnocchi, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce baked to perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The recipe combines stovetop searing and oven baking techniques to deliver a delicious, cheesy meal that’s perfect for a family dinner in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Sauce
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to evenly coat.
- Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large, oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Pan Fry Chicken: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 145°F. Add a splash of water if the pan browns too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken and transfer to a cutting board to rest.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, scraping up the browned bits. Add sliced shallots and cook 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt. Sprinkle flour evenly over and stir constantly to form a thick paste (roux).
- Add Liquids and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat. Increase heat to medium-high and whisk continuously until the mixture smooths out, bubbles, and thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Gnocchi with Sauce: Turn off heat, dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces, and add to the sauce along with uncooked gnocchi. Stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops golden brown spots. Rotate pan once or twice during baking for even browning.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and gnocchi if serving guests with gluten sensitivities.
- Chicken is cooked to 145°F in the skillet and will finish cooking during baking to keep it juicy.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish for baking.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top after baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked but remains tender.