Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Make this easy chicken Alfredo Gnocchi and transform a simple weeknight dinner into a comforting and delicious meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The combination of pillowy-soft potato dumplings, tender chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce creates a unique flavor experience that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this delightful dish on busy nights.
- Comforting Flavor: The rich and creamy Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and gnocchi, making it truly comforting.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, this meal is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, leaving you more time to relax after your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi successfully, having the right tools is essential. Below are some of the key items you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast-iron skillet: Offers even heating, which helps achieve a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth sauce without lumps by thoroughly mixing all ingredients together.
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 a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering:
Pan fry the chicken for 8–10 minutes.
Flip halfway through until golden brown on the outside.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F (remove at around 145°F).
If needed, add a splash of water to prevent burning before it’s cooked through. 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 brown bits from cooking chicken.
Add shallots; cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in minced garlic; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Add the remaining 3 Tablespoons of butter:
Stir until melted.
Sprinkle flour on top; stir to coat, forming a roux.
With heat on medium:
Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream.
Increase heat to medium-high:
Continue whisking until bubbling and thickened.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Gnocchi
Turn off heat. Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces:
Add diced chicken and uncooked gnocchi to sauce.
Stir to coat ingredients evenly. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes:
Look for melted cheese bubbling around edges.
Check once or twice during baking; rotate pan carefully for even browning. Enjoy your delectable Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi!
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the dish.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Opt for cheesy garlic bread for an extra indulgent side.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad pairs well with the rich flavors of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi.
- Mixed Greens: Light mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette can balance the meal nicely.
Serve in Individual Portions
- Personalized Dishes: Use ramekins to serve individual portions, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Family Style: Place the entire dish in the center of the table for a communal dining experience.
How to Perfect Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
To achieve the best results with your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese enhance flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi just until they float; this keeps them tender and fluffy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to make sure every bite is flavorful.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing it to rest for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld together.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or vegetables for different variations.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Serving Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: A light, crunchy side that adds freshness and flavor.
- Caprese Salad: This simple salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and vibrant, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The savory flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with creamy dishes like gnocchi.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers offers variety and richness.
- Roasted Zucchini: Lightly seasoned roasted zucchini brings a sweet and savory element to the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi can be straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish.
- Ignoring the thickness of chicken: Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness or sliced into cutlets for consistent cooking. This prevents some parts from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Overcooking the sauce: Keep an eye on your alfredo sauce; whisk until it just begins to bubble and thicken. Overcooking can lead to a grainy texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip on seasoning at various stages. Properly season your chicken and sauce to enhance the overall flavor of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi.
- Using too much flour: When making the roux, use the exact amount of flour as stated in the recipe. Adding too much can make your sauce too thick and pasty.
- Skipping the resting period for chicken: Allowing cooked chicken to rest helps retain its juices, leading to a more tender bite in your finished dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi in an airtight container.
- It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing.
Reheating Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi.
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
For this recipe, you can use regular or gluten-free potato gnocchi based on your dietary preferences.
Can I add vegetables to Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
Absolutely! Consider adding spinach or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken is safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For this recipe, remove it from heat at around 145°F since it will cook further in the oven.
What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish, enhancing its comforting appeal.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a delightful meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to any weeknight dinner. This recipe allows room for customization by incorporating different vegetables or types of cheese. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of cheesy goodness!
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi recipe. This delightful dish transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a cozy and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or a relaxing night at home. The combination of tender chicken, pillowy potato dumplings, and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a flavor experience that will please everyone at the table. With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy a comforting dinner without the hassle. Customize your dish by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition, making it not only delicious but versatile as well.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt.
- Cook chicken in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- In the same pan, sauté shallots and garlic; add butter to create a roux with flour.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream until bubbling and thickened.
- Stir in diced chicken and uncooked gnocchi; top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
