Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe: Creamy Comfort

Rich, creamy chicken alfredo gnocchi bake revamps ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Italian-inspired casserole that melts hearts and satisfies deep hunger.

Pillowy potato dumplings nestled in velvety sauce create a luxurious dining experience that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Layers of tender chicken, silky cheese, and golden-baked edges promise a feast for multiple senses.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines classic Italian techniques with modern home cooking simplicity.

Perfectly balanced flavors and textures elevate a traditional recipe into something memorable.

Irresistible comfort awaits those ready to dive into this delectable culinary adventure.

Why Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Is a Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

  • Quick Comfort Meal: Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake delivers ultimate creamy satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners that feel like restaurant-quality indulgence.
  • Cheesy Texture Paradise: Layered with melted mozzarella and parmesan, this dish offers an irresistible golden, bubbling cheese top that creates delightful crispy edges and smooth, rich interior.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Streamlined cooking method allows you to prepare the entire meal in a single skillet before transferring to the oven, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the cooking process for home chefs of all skill levels.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adapt with additional vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust seasoning, making it an incredibly flexible recipe that appeals to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that adds substance to the dish, preferably using leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor and adds moisture to the sauce, low-sodium options work best for controlling salt levels.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheeses that provide rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture, with parmesan adding depth and mozzarella creating a golden, melty top.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce base, full-fat version recommended for best results.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce's foundation, unsalted butter preferred for better flavor control.
Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy pasta that absorbs sauce beautifully, store-bought works perfectly for quick preparation.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust, savory flavor to the entire dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Making Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake the Cozy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Cream Cheese

Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature for one hour. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and pliable.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Adjust oven rack to top third position and preheat to 375°F.

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Craft the Silky Sauce

Add cream cheese in small chunks, then pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth

Whisk continuously for 4-5 minutes until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Blend Hearty Ingredients

Gently fold into sauce:
  • Cooked gnocchi
  • Shredded chicken

Stir and cook for additional 3 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Magic

Stir in half of parmesan cheese, then remove skillet from heat.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Canvas

Transfer mixture to 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 8: Create Cheesy Topping

Generously scatter remaining:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven, bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow dish to settle for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Rich and Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Bring cream cheese to room temperature for smooth, lump-free sauce or quickly soften in microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Master Garlic Sautéing: Watch garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning; 30 seconds is ideal for releasing maximum flavor without turning bitter.
  • Create Silky Sauce: Stir sauce constantly and use low-medium heat to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, luxurious texture.
  • Layer Cheese Strategically: Reserve half the parmesan for topping to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delightful texture.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help sauce set and prevent burning your mouth while letting flavors meld together.

Reheating and Storing Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
  • Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or restore crispy cheese top by placing in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated completely and cheese melts beautifully.

Sides That Fit Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Perfectly

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the cheesy flavors perfectly.
  • Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the heavy, comforting gnocchi bake.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread soaks up the delicious alfredo sauce and adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.
  • Finish with Lemon Sorbet: A clean, refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich, cheesy dish and provides a light, cool dessert option.

Flavor Tweaks for Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Fans

  • Veggie Lover's Version: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a colorful vegetarian alternative that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap half the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed rendition with southwestern flair.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal with bright, tangy notes.
  • Seafood Switch-Up: Substitute chicken with succulent shrimp or lump crab meat, using white wine instead of chicken broth to enhance the oceanic undertones of this elegant variation.
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Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken alfredo gnocchi bake delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Pillowy gnocchi nestled with tender chicken and rich parmesan sauce create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let soften at room temperature or gently warm in microwave for quick softening.
  2. Heat oven to 375°F, positioning rack in upper third section of oven for optimal cooking environment.
  3. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high temperature, releasing aromatic garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Gradually incorporate cream cheese pieces into skillet, blending with cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously until smooth and fully integrated.
  5. Introduce cooked chicken and gnocchi into sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and heating.
  6. Fold in half of parmesan cheese, creating rich, creamy texture throughout mixture.
  7. Carefully transfer skillet contents into 9×13 baking dish, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  8. Generously sprinkle remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese across surface, creating decadent cheese layer.
  9. Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling crust with crispy edges.
  10. Allow dish to settle for brief moment after removing from oven, permitting flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
  11. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference before serving hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Soft cream cheese melts easier when brought to room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave.
  • Skillet preparation transforms basic ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish bursting with cheesy goodness.
  • Resting time allows flavors to meld and prevents burning your mouth, ensuring a perfect dining experience.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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