If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and downright irresistible dinner, the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This dish combines pillowy gnocchi, tender pieces of seasoned chicken, and vibrant broccoli all enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes weeknight dinners something to truly look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe just right is all about simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy sauce to the tender chicken and cheesy topping—making every bite a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- Delallo Gnocchi Kit: The soft and pillowy gnocchi provides an amazing base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps cook garlic and chicken evenly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings that essential aromatic punch that makes the dish pop.
- Chicken breast tenderloins (16 ounces, cubed): These juicy, tender pieces add hearty protein and soak up the flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and Black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Italian Seasoning (½ teaspoon): A fragrant blend adding classic Italian herb notes to the chicken.
- Butter (¼ cup): Creates a silky base for our Alfredo sauce and adds richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star ingredient that makes the sauce decadently creamy.
- Shredded Romano cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Adds sharp, nutty undertones and melty goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts beautifully to provide a gooey texture.
- Frozen broccoli (10 ounces): Adds a pop of green and a healthy crunch without extra fuss.
- Italian Style Panko Breadcrumbs (¾ cup): Gives the perfect crispy, golden topping.
- Fresh basil (chopped): For a bright, fresh finishing touch that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Gnocchi
Start by preheating your oven to 400F. While it warms up, cook the gnocchi following the directions on your Delallo Gnocchi Kit. This step ensures those soft dumplings are perfectly tender and ready to soak up that creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add minced garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft—this little step perfumes the whole dish! Then, toss in the cubed chicken tenderloins, seasoning them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan; this adds incredible depth of flavor. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Now, gradually add the shredded Romano and mozzarella cheeses—hold back ¾ cup of the cheese mixture for topping—adding a handful at a time and waiting for it to melt before the next addition. This slow cheese incorporation makes for a silky smooth sauce with amazing cheesy richness.
Step 4: Combine Gnocchi, Chicken, and Broccoli
Stir your cooked gnocchi, chicken, and frozen broccoli into the creamy Alfredo sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated in cheesy goodness. The broccoli will soften and infuse a nice freshness into this hearty bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining reserved cheese over the top, then add the Italian style panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy, golden finish. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top to add a burst of color and a fragrant herbal note. Serve immediately and prepare to savor every luscious bite.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is our go-to garnish. It adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a fun twist if you want a little heat or sheen.
Side Dishes
This bake is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want a few sides, a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Roasted or steamed asparagus and garlic bread are other excellent companions that echo the Italian flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe family-style right from the skillet, letting everyone scoop their portions. Alternatively, plate individual servings in small gratin dishes and broil the tops for an extra crispy finish. You might even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for some unexpected crunch and nuttiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it has cooled. Frozen Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe can last up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350F until warmed through to maintain that lovely baked crispiness on top. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but cover loosely to prevent drying out, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully. Just steam or blanch it briefly first to soften before adding to the sauce, so it cooks evenly during baking.
What if I don’t have a gnocchi kit?
No worries! You can use store-bought pre-packaged gnocchi as a convenient substitute. Just cook according to package instructions before adding to the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and perhaps add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor while keeping the creamy Alfredo sauce base.
Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut or cashew cream, and choose dairy-free cheeses. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe is mild and creamy, perfect for all palates. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe combines comfort, ease, and elegance in one delicious dish you can’t help but love. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—you truly can’t go wrong with this cheesy, creamy, tender bake!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole combining tender gnocchi, juicy chicken breast, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- 1 package Delallo Gnocchi Kit
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces chicken breast tenderloins, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Alfredo Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded romano cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli
- ¾ cup Italian Style Panko Breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil, chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions included in the Delallo Gnocchi Kit, ensuring they are tender and ready for the bake.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, careful not to burn.
- Cook Chicken: Add cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring often until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the skillet, loosening any browned bits for flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add shredded romano and mozzarella cheeses (reserve ¾ cup for topping), mixing continuously and adding cheese in batches until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked gnocchi, browned chicken, and frozen broccoli into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the mix, then generously top with Italian style panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Savor this delicious, comforting Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake as a hearty meal perfect for any day.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and stovetop; monitor chicken doneness carefully.
- Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies the process, but you can transfer to a baking dish if preferred.
- Frozen broccoli does not need to be thawed prior to adding; it will cook in the sauce and oven.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, but you can substitute with parsley or oregano based on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
