This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo is a hug in a bowl! Soft potato gnocchi and tender chicken are covered in a rich Alfredo sauce, making it super comforting.
And let’s be honest, who can resist a meal that feels like a warm blanket? I love pairing it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for a lean protein. You can substitute grilled shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Gnocchi: I like using store-bought potato gnocchi due to its convenience. If you can’t find gnocchi, you could use pasta like fettuccine or penne in a pinch!
Heavy Cream: This creates the rich texture of the sauce. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream can work, but the sauce will be less thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor. If you’re in a hurry, pre-grated works too, but watch for extra additives. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute if you’re dairy-free!
How Do You Make a Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
Creating the perfect Alfredo sauce is all about timing and heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting butter in the skillet; you want it bubbly but not brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for just a minute so it doesn’t burn; burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then allow this mix to simmer while stirring to combine. This ensures a creamy texture.
- Now, add the Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it.
Keeping the heat low is key when adding the cheese to avoid clumping or a gritty texture in your sauce, leading to a dreamy Alfredo!
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pieces of chicken, and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Making the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
3. Adding the Creamy Ingredients:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while stirring constantly. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. This is where the magic happens; the sauce starts to get creamy!
4. Stirring in Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir the sauce frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich and creamy texture.
5. Cooking the Gnocchi:
While your sauce is thickening, cook the gnocchi. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then drop in the gnocchi. They typically cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Once done, drain them well.
6. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked gnocchi and the reserved chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently stir everything together to ensure that the gnocchi and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. A delicious Alfredo sauce should be seasoned just right!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
To finish, serve your Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or a sprig of basil for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy a bowl of this comfort dish that’s sure to please!
This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo is both satisfying and delicious, with tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi bathed in a rich sauce. Perfect for any occasion, enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi can be used directly without thawing. Just boil them according to the package instructions until they float, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich, so you might want to add a bit more cheese to compensate!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help rehydrate the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables, and use vegetable broth or cream for the sauce base. This will still yield a deliciously creamy dish!
