Description
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish that combines tender gnocchi, succulent chicken breast, and broccoli in a rich Alfredo sauce topped with crunchy Italian-style breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying family-friendly dinner that comes together with simple ingredients in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi and Chicken
- 1 package Delallo Gnocchi Kit
- 16 ounces chicken breast tenderloins, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded romano cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 10-ounce package frozen broccoli
- ¾ cup Italian Style Panko Breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready by the time you have assembled all ingredients and the skillet.
- Prepare the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions found in the Delallo Gnocchi Kit. Follow all instructions carefully to ensure proper texture.
- Cook garlic. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and soft, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the chicken. Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce. Using the same skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Deglaze the skillet by scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift flavorful browned bits. Slowly stir in 1 cup heavy cream and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Incorporate cheese. Combine 1 ½ cups shredded romano cheese and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, reserving ¾ cup of this mixture for topping later. Gradually add the remaining cheese mixture to the cream sauce, stirring constantly and allowing the cheese to melt completely before adding more, for a smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Combine ingredients. Add the cooked gnocchi, the browned chicken, and 10 ounces of frozen broccoli directly to the sauce in the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add toppings. Evenly sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of cheese on top of the mixture, followed by ¾ cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs to add a crispy topping after baking.
- Bake the dish. Place the oven-safe skillet in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the topping turns bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil to add a fragrant, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if preferred; just blanch it briefly before adding.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid damage during baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave but may lose some crispiness on top.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
