Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

This creamy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake delivers cozy comfort with every forkful. Tender potato gnocchi are blanketed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with juicy pieces of chicken and a duo of melty cheeses. It is the kind of satisfying one-pan dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special without hours at the stove.

I whipped this up after a long day when I needed comfort food fast and now it is my most requested casserole for potlucks and family dinners. The way the gnocchi soaks up the Parmesan in the sauce is next level.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: brings richness and helps the garlic bloom Use a high quality butter for best flavor
• Fresh garlic: adds bold aroma and depth Fresh cloves always beat pre-minced for this sauce
• Cream cheese: makes the sauce extra luscious and helps thicken it Let it come fully to room temp for the smoothest melt
• Heavy cream: gives a true restaurant style Alfredo vibe Choose real cream without additives
• Low sodium chicken broth: adds flavor without making the dish overly salty
• Potato gnocchi: are pillowy soft and perfect for soaking in sauce The refrigerated or shelf stable kind both work but fresh gnocchi taste best if you can find it
• Cooked chicken: makes this a hearty meal Rotisserie or leftover roast chicken will save time
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: offers complex nutty flavor Grate it yourself right before using for the best melt and taste
• Mozzarella cheese: creates that signature gooey cheese layer on top Whole milk mozzarella will give you the best stretch
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper: tie all the flavors together Always taste before adding since the cheeses bring salt too

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Ingredients:

Remove cream cheese from the fridge at least one hour before starting so it is very soft Microwave in ten-second bursts if you forget This makes it blend seamlessly into the sauce Preheat your oven to 190°C or 375°F and place the rack in the top third for optimal browning

Build the Sauce:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat Once foaming add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about thirty seconds or until fragrant This infuses the butter with garlic without burning

Make it Creamy:

Add small pieces of softened cream cheese heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet Stir constantly for four to five minutes making sure the cream cheese melts fully and blends smooth Avoid boiling to keep the sauce silky

Combine Gnocchi and Chicken:

Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and cooked chicken right into the sauce Stir often for three minutes coating every piece with that rich mixture The gnocchi should not be cooked through at this stage

Parmesan Boost:

Mix in half of the grated parmesan cheese until just melted and then take the skillet off the heat This adds depth without overcooking the cheese

Transfer and Top:

Scrape everything into a nine by thirteen inch baking dish and spread it out evenly Sprinkle over the remaining parmesan and all of the mozzarella cheese for the ultimate cheesy crust

Bake Until Bubbling:

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown The cheese should be fully melted and sauce thickened around the edges

Rest and Serve:

Let the bake sit for five minutes before serving This makes the sauce thicken and lets all the flavors come together Taste and add salt or pepper if needed

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I am always amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes at the stove can deliver such rich flavor My favorite moment is watching my family swoon when they scoop up that bubbling top layer of cheese right out of the oven

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep in a covered dish in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven or microwave adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce Never freeze the unbaked casserole as the gnocchi can change texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Lighten the sauce by swapping half and half for some or all of the cream If dairy is a concern try using plant based cream and cheese Rotisserie chicken works best but turkey also fits well in this dish

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a veg boost Garlic bread or focaccia on the side takes it over the top For special occasions garnish with more fresh parmesan or chopped herbs

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?

Soften the cream cheese fully before adding to the pan, and stir constantly as it melts into the sauce to ensure smoothness.

→ Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi?

Uncooked gnocchi is recommended, as it absorbs flavor during baking. Pre-cooked can be used but may create a softer texture.

→ Is it possible to substitute the chicken?

Yes, diced turkey or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent alternatives for a different yet satisfying flavor.

→ What cheeses work best for the topping?

Parmesan adds savory sharpness and mozzarella provides melt and stretch, creating a golden, bubbly finish.

→ How can I keep the sauce from becoming too runny?

Bake uncovered and allow the dish to rest after removing from the oven so the sauce thickens naturally.

→ Why should the dish rest before serving?

Resting allows the sauce to set and flavors to meld, giving a creamy and cohesive texture in each serving.