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
Scale
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.
