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. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The creamy alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken and soft gnocchi creates a warm, satisfying meal.
- Quick preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect as a main course for dinner or as a side dish for larger gatherings.
- Customizable ingredients: Easily swap out ingredients for personal preferences, such as gluten-free gnocchi or different cheeses.
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters with its rich taste and appealing texture.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet (e.g., cast-iron)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large oven-safe skillet: Enables you to cook everything in one pan, making for easier cleanup.
- Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient cutting of the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth alfredo sauce by combining ingredients thoroughly without lumps.
Ingredients
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°. Toss the chicken with 1 Tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Drizzle the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering:
Pan fry the chicken for 8–10 minutes.
Flip halfway through until golden brown; ensure internal temperature reaches just below 165°F (remove at about 145°F).
Add a splash of water if necessary to prevent burning before fully cooked.
Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan:
Add 1 Tablespoon of butter over medium heat; scrape up any brown bits from the chicken.
Add shallots; cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Roux
Add the remaining 3 Tablespoons of butter. Stir until melted. Then:
Sprinkle flour on top; stir to coat creating a thick paste (roux).
Step 5: Whisk in Liquids
With heat on medium:
Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
Increase heat to medium-high; continue whisking until bubbling and thickening occurs.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Turn off heat. Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces:
Add diced chicken along with uncooked gnocchi to sauce.
Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes:
Look for melted cheese bubbling around edges and golden brown spots on top.
Check occasionally; rotate pan if necessary for even browning.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to please your family and friends. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.
Family Style
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi directly from the baking dish for a rustic, casual meal. Let guests scoop their own portions, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Individual Bowls
- Dish out the gnocchi into individual bowls for each guest. Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a personal touch that makes each serving feel special.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each plate with fresh basil or parsley. The bright herbs will add color and freshness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Side of Garlic Bread
- Pair the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi with warm garlic bread. This combination allows you to soak up every bit of delicious sauce left on your plate.
Side Salad
- Serve with a mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy gnocchi.
Wine Pairing
- Complement your meal with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. These wines’ acidity balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Perfect Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
To achieve the ultimate Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi experience, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, garlic, and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Cook Gnocchi Properly: Ensure you don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should float when done.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust flour and liquid ratios for your desired sauce consistency.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you like a crispy top, broil briefly at the end of baking.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations for unique flavors; goat cheese adds an interesting twist.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Pairing side dishes enhances your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: A classic side that adds nutrition and color; steam until tender-crisp.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil and roast until slightly charred for extra flavor.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing adds crunch to your meal.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a hearty side that complements creamy sauces well.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich gnocchi.
- Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, zucchini noodles sautéed in garlic make an excellent alternative.
- Herb Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs pairs nicely while soaking up any extra sauce.
- Antipasto Platter: Offer assorted meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for variety at the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a perfect dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken will lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking.
- Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi for too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions and cook until they float in boiling water.
- Not sautéing enough: To enhance flavor, make sure to properly sauté shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant. This step adds depth to your sauce.
- Using low-quality cheese: Poor quality cheese can ruin the creaminess of your sauce. Use fresh mozzarella and good-quality parmesan for the best results.
- Rushing the baking process: Baking too quickly at high temperatures may not allow the cheese to melt evenly. Bake at a moderate temperature for even melting and browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, see our answers below.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works well for this recipe. Make sure it’s uncooked for best results.
How do I make this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend in the sauce.
What can I add to Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and soft dumplings. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with family. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or using different cheeses to suit your taste!
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comfort of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, a delightful blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy potato dumplings. This easy weeknight meal transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, sauté shallots and minced garlic in butter until soft. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until thickened.
- Dice cooked chicken and add along with uncooked gnocchi to the sauce. Mix in mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
