Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner: a rich and decadent Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi. This recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi, all swimming in a velvety, homemade Alfredo sauce. Best of all, it comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup an absolute breeze. Forget the jarred stuff; this is restaurant-quality comfort food made simple, perfect for impressing family and friends any night of the week.
This isn’t just another pasta dish. The unique texture of gnocchi, soft and slightly chewy, makes it the perfect vehicle for soaking up our luxurious garlic and parmesan cream sauce. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly easy meal that feels special without the stress.
Why This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Recipe is a Game-Changer
In a world of complicated recipes, this one-pan Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi stands out. It’s designed for the enthusiastic home cook who craves delicious, impressive meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance.
- One-Pan Wonder: From searing the chicken to simmering the sauce and cooking the gnocchi, everything happens in a single skillet. This means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Incredibly Flavorful: We build layers of flavor, starting with perfectly seasoned chicken, followed by aromatic garlic, and finishing with a rich, creamy sauce made with real cream and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Quick & Easy: This entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something amazing.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Gnocchi Alfredo
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Using high-quality ingredients will make a world of difference in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Gnocchi and Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We’ll cut these into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Potato Gnocchi: Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly. Pan-searing it first gives it a delightful, slightly crispy exterior.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of both gives the best flavor for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to make the chicken shine.
For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
- Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of our sauce. For the richest flavor and texture, avoid substituting with milk or half-and-half.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce and helps it reach the perfect consistency.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the aromatic backbone of the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to cut through the richness.
Looking for another amazing one-pot meal? Try our incredible One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Orzo.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamy gnocchi skillet is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless, delicious meal every single time. Grab your favorite large skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
First, pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Gnocchi
To the same skillet, add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the potato gnocchi in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy. This step is a game-changer and prevents the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Once seared, remove the gnocchi and set it aside with the chicken.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This is where all the flavor is!
Whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low before the next step.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken and seared gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the glorious Alfredo sauce. Let it warm through for another minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
For another classic comfort dish, don’t miss this Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.
Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
A few simple tricks can elevate your homemade Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip Searing the Gnocchi: This is the secret to a perfect texture. Boiling gnocchi can sometimes lead to a gummy result, but pan-searing creates a slightly crisp exterior that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is non-negotiable for a smooth, velvety sauce. Packaged shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting properly, which can result in a grainy texture.
- Control the Heat: When adding the Parmesan, make sure the heat is on low. If the sauce is too hot, the cheese can separate and become oily.
- Don’t Overcook: Gnocchi cooks very quickly. Once you add it back to the sauce, you’re just warming it through. Overcooking will make it lose its delightful pillowy texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to customize your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes also make excellent additions.
- Make it Spicy: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
- Swap the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with Italian sausage or shrimp instead of chicken.
- Cajun Twist: Season the chicken with Cajun spices and add some diced bell peppers and onions for a zesty Cajun Alfredo. If you enjoy casseroles, our Hamburger Supreme Casserole is another must-try.
What to Serve with Your Gnocchi
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but a simple side can round it out perfectly. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. For something more substantial, serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce. These Olive Garden Breadsticks would be an amazing choice.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken in the fridge. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the gnocchi rubbery and the sauce oily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for convenience and works perfectly with either shelf-stable or refrigerated store-bought potato gnocchi. The key is to pan-sear it before adding it to the sauce for the best texture.
The best way to ensure a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce is to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add it over low heat. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, and high heat can cause the sauce to separate or ‘break’.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage.
Instead of boiling, we pan-sear the gnocchi in butter until it’s golden and slightly crispy on the outside. This gives it a fantastic texture that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Share Your Creation!
If you make this incredible Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Your feedback and shares help our community of home cooks grow!
The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi: The Ultimate Creamy One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and lightly crisped. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken and gnocchi to the skillet. Stir gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and gnocchi in a single layer to ensure they get a nice golden-brown sear.
Gentle Heat: Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.
