It is 6pm on a chilly Tuesday. You need a hearty meal that feels like a hug. This chicken alfredo gnocchi is the perfect solution. It is fast, fresh, and family-approved. You can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Winter evenings call for something truly warming and creamy. You want a big bowl of comfort right now. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. It is the perfect way to end a long day.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total lifesaver for busy families. It takes the classic flavors you love and makes them faster. Using gnocchi instead of pasta saves so much time. You get a pillowy texture that kids absolutely adore.
The sauce is rich, silky, and made from scratch. It feels much more special than anything from a jar. This is pure comfort food for a cold winter night. Your family will ask for seconds every single time.
Simple Cooking Steps
The process is very straightforward and simple. You will sear the chicken first for great flavor. Then, you make a quick, silky sauce in the same pan. The gnocchi cooks in just a few minutes. Even beginners can master this one-pan meal easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you already have. Fresh Parmesan makes a huge difference here.
- 500g potato gnocchi
- 450g boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 475ml heavy cream
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 60g unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15g fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken pieces until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer for 4 minutes until the volume reduces slightly.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is emulsified and smooth.
- Add gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float (approximately 2-3 minutes); drain well.
- Incorporate the cooked gnocchi and chicken into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Toss over medium heat for 1 minute to ensure even coating.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this in big, shallow bowls while it is steaming hot. A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping sauce. You could also add a simple green salad. It balances the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. Enjoy this cozy meal with your favorite people.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream. This keeps the sauce from getting too thick. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid the microwave if you have time for better texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi; remove them as soon as they float.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce possible.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a golden sear.
- Whisk the cheese in slowly to avoid any clumping.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic winter flavor boost.
- Keep a little pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- For a holiday twist, stir in some fresh sage leaves.
- Always garnish at the very end for a fresh, bright finish.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Add fresh spinach at the end for some quick greens.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this meal gluten-friendly.
- Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp for a fancy date night.
- Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color.
Common Questions
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly here. It makes this a great pantry-friendly meal. Just follow the package directions carefully.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Just add a tablespoon of milk at a time. Whisk it in over low heat until it reaches your liking. The sauce thickens as it cools.
Will kids eat this?
Absolutely, most kids love the soft texture and cheesy sauce. It is a picky-eater friendly dinner choice. You can even let them help toss the gnocchi.
I hope this cozy chicken alfredo gnocchi brightens your winter evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 500 g potato gnocchi
- 450 g boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 475 ml heavy cream
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15 g fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken pieces until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer for 4 minutes until the volume reduces slightly.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is emulsified and smooth.
- Add gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float (approximately 2-3 minutes); drain well.
- Incorporate the cooked gnocchi and chicken into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Toss over medium heat for 1 minute to ensure even coating.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
