This Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo is creamy and comforting, featuring tender chicken and fluffy potato gnocchi all wrapped up in a rich Alfredo sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Honestly, watching those gnocchi dance around in the sauce is just too adorable! I always make extras to enjoy the next day—because who doesn’t love leftovers? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi gives this dish its signature soft and fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with store-bought gnocchi or even pasta like fusilli or penne if gnocchi isn’t available!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here. For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. This adds extra flavor and saves cooking time. Leftover chicken works too!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce won’t be as thick. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.
Cheeses: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano or a good-quality pre-grated cheese can work. Mozzarella adds nice melting qualities, but you can skip it if you want a lighter sauce.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes. If using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
How Do I Make Sure My Alfredo Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a great Alfredo sauce is heat management and combining your ingredients slowly. Start by sautéing garlic in the skillet to infuse the oil before adding the cream and milk. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook garlic on medium heat until fragrant, not burnt—about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream slowly while continuously stirring to avoid curdling.
- Gradually whisk in the cheeses until fully melted and smooth. This helps prevent clumps!
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick, and taste before serving!
For that extra touch, consider broiling for a minute to give the top a beautiful golden finish. Keep it close to watch it closely to prevent burning!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil and oregano blend
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo takes about 15 minutes for prep time and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, in just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal ready to serve your family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Gnocchi:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they’re ready, use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and set them aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and lightly season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nice and golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a little more butter or oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring everything together and bringing it to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Next, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce, creating that rich, creamy texture.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, lower the heat and gently add the cooked chicken, gnocchi, and fresh spinach (if using) into the sauce. Stir everything together to coat the gnocchi and chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors blend beautifully. Be sure to taste everything and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Optional Browning:
If you’d like to add a little crispy finish like the photo shows, you can place the skillet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Just make sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!
7. Serve:
Finally, garnish your Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve while hot, and enjoy this delightful, creamy treat!
This recipe not only brings together tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi but also features a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce enriched with fresh spinach and topped with melted cheese, making it the perfect comfort food dinner. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi is a convenient option that cooks quickly and tastes delicious. Just follow the package instructions for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well, but it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickened.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor. You can also use veggie gnocchi or even pasta as a base!