Name: Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese; 1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 23 reviews

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Imagine pillowy potato gnocchi snuggled in a rich Alfredo sauce, wrapped around juicy bites of seasoned chicken, then blanketed with two kinds of melty cheese. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet the taste is like something you’d order at a cozy Italian trattoria. If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, family-style dinner that puts a fresh spin on classic Alfredo, this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is sure to become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Nothing here is fussy, and each component—whether it’s the golden pan-seared chicken or the delicate potato gnocchi—plays a crucial role in delivering creamy, cheesy deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for getting the best results.

Chicken breast: Slicing or pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook quickly and evenly, so each bite stays juicy.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
Garlic powder & Italian seasoning: These pantry staples infuse savory depth and the unmistakable aroma of homemade Italian cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony—don’t skimp here!
Unsalted butter: Provides the base for a truly indulgent Alfredo sauce, lending richness and gloss.
Shallots & garlic: Shallots deliver gentle sweetness while fresh garlic adds heady perfume that builds the sauce’s backbone.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the Alfredo into that luxurious, silky texture—use gluten-free flour if needed.
Chicken broth: Gives depth and balances the creamy dairy with savory notes.
Milk & heavy cream: Duo creates a perfectly lush and pourable sauce; the heavy cream’s richness is key to that restaurant-style mouthfeel.
Potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings soak up Alfredo like a dream—pick gluten-free if you prefer.
Mozzarella cheese: Melted throughout, it gives every forkful that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty edge and helps brown the top beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F—this ensures a bubbling, golden result at the end. Toss your chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt. This flavorful rub seeps into the chicken, guaranteeing juicy, well-seasoned bites throughout your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Drizzle your skillet (cast iron if you have one!) with more olive oil and let it heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken and let it sizzle for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the outside is deeply golden. Aim to pull the chicken from the pan just before it’s fully cooked—about 145°F internally—since it’ll finish in the oven. A splash of water can prevent burning if the pan browns too quickly. Rest the chicken on a board for juicy, flavorful meat.

Step 3: Start the Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Scrape up those tasty browned bits left behind—they’ll build incredible flavor into your sauce! Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook until soft and translucent, then toss in minced garlic, letting the fragrance blossom for another minute or two.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Add the remaining butter and let it melt, then sprinkle the flour right over the shallots and garlic. Stir continuously; you’ll create a thick, golden paste (that’s your roux) that will help thicken the Alfredo perfectly.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Sauce

With heat on medium, gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Turn up the heat slightly, whisking as you go, until the mixture smooths out and starts to thicken and bubble. This is when the kitchen really starts to smell amazing!

Step 6: Add Gnocchi and Chicken

Dice the now-rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Turn off the skillet’s heat and add both the chicken and uncooked gnocchi right into the creamy sauce. Stir everything together so the gnocchi is well-coated and ready to absorb all that goodness.

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Bake

Layer shredded mozzarella and parmesan generously over the top—the more, the merrier! Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, melty, and tinged with golden brown in a few spots. Rotate once or twice midway for even browning.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished dish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a crank of black pepper, or a shower of extra parmesan right before serving. These simple garnishes bring brightness and make your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi look as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables makes a beautiful, fresh contrast. A basket of garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for scooping up every bit of the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style feel, or spoon individual portions into shallow bowls and top each with extra cheese and herbs. For gatherings, bake and serve in small ramekins for personal, bubbly servings that look downright adorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi (lucky you!), let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors meld even more as it sits overnight.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi freezes best before baking off the final cheese topping, but you can also freeze it after baking—it will still be delicious. It’ll keep for up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. It’s also easily warmed in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?

Absolutely! Most potato gnocchi found in the grocery store aisle work perfectly here—no need to make them from scratch. If you’d like to use your favorite homemade gnocchi, go for it; just be gentle as you stir them into the sauce.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked enough before baking?

You’re aiming for the chicken to be mostly cooked, reaching at least 145°F internally before you take it off the heat. Since Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi finishes in the oven, the chicken will reach safe doneness and stay extra juicy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free potato gnocchi and substitute the all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. The results are just as creamy and decadent.

What other cheeses can I use in Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?

Mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but you can also try fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of asiago for extra flavor and meltiness. Experiment to find your perfect cheesy blend!

Is there a way to make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the final cheese topping, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed (adding a few minutes if it’s straight from the fridge) for a hassle-free, impressive meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into your very own skillet of Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi. This dish turns a simple weeknight into something special, delivering creamy, cheesy satisfaction every single time. Give it a try—you might just find a new comfort food classic for your rotation!