This Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and a rich Alfredo sauce come together beautifully!
I love how easy it is to whip up on a busy night. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi is the star here, offering a light and fluffy texture. If you can’t find it, you can use store-bought pasta like fettuccine or even homemade dough if you’re adventurous!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish. For a healthier option, consider swapping in grilled chicken or even turkey. Tofu works well for a vegetarian twist!
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its rich and creamy quality. If you want a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, like cashew cream.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds flavor and creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work as a substitute, but adjust the salt as needed since they can be saltier.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that perfect creamy texture can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here are some simple tips:
- Low and Slow: When simmering cream and milk, keep the heat low to avoid scorching. Stir often to help it blend nicely.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: When adding Parmesan, do it gradually while stirring. This helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping.
- Thicken as Needed: If your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to thicken it gently.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a lush, velvety Alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to your gnocchi and chicken!
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation and cooking. It’s a quick dish that results in a delightful meal that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Gnocchi:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they float to the surface. Drain and set them aside while you prepare the rest!
2. Sautéing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Alfredo Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring frequently. Let this mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so it can thicken slightly.
4. Combining Everything:
Next, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained gnocchi. Gently toss everything together to ensure the gnocchi and chicken are well-coated in the Alfredo sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and basil leaves, if you like!
6. Serve!
Serve this delicious Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo hot from the skillet. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this comforting dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use fresh gnocchi, which cooks quickly and has a slightly different texture. Alternatively, you can choose store-bought pasta like fettuccine if gnocchi isn’t available!
Can I Prepare This Dish Without Chicken?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for flavor and texture. Tofu or chickpeas can also be good protein substitutes!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens up too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You sure can! Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from ingredients like rice or potato flour. Just make sure to check the labels and your other ingredients for gluten content as well.
