This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake combines all the comforting elements of a classic Alfredo dish with the pillowy goodness of gnocchi. The creamy Alfredo sauce made from scratch, the tender chicken, and the melty mozzarella cheese create a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s bound to become a regular favorite!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philly), softened
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1 cup heavy/whipping cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prep the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour prior to starting the recipe, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
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Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces), heavy cream, and chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has melted and everything is well combined. Be careful not to cook it for too long to avoid the sauce becoming too thick, as it will continue to thicken during baking.
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Add gnocchi and chicken: Add the uncooked gnocchi and cooked chicken to the skillet. Continue stirring for about 3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the sauce.
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Add Parmesan: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, then remove the skillet from heat.
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Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the skillet mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi mixture.
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Bake: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Rest and serve: Let the bake sit for about 5 minutes before serving, as the sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, for a delicious vegetarian option.
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Add herbs: Season with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
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Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a bit of heat.
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Swap cheese: Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda for varied flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe! You can find it in most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated or frozen section.
Can I use chicken breast instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast or any other cooked chicken you prefer. Simply shred or dice the chicken before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. Just be sure to bake it on the day you plan to serve it.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free gnocchi and make sure the cream cheese, broth, and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use heavy cream substitutes?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and create a creamier texture.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food. With pillowy gnocchi, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
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Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is the ultimate comfort food! This creamy dish combines tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection. A hearty, indulgent meal that’s quick and easy to make, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special gatherings. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philly), softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the fridge at least an hour before starting, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), moving the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and well combined.
- Add gnocchi and chicken: Add the uncooked gnocchi and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir for about 3 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some sauce.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, remove from heat.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Variations: Omit chicken and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a vegetarian version. Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Swap cheese for Gruyère, Gouda, or any preferred cheese.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the dish and freeze before baking for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg