Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delightful Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort, this dish combines pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant broccoli smothered in creamy alfredo sauce. Topped with a golden layer of melted cheeses, this bake is a true crowd-pleaser that tastes just like a fancy Italian restaurant creation.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic evening when I needed a quick yet satisfying meal for my family. With simple ingredients like leftover rotisserie chicken, gnocchi, and frozen broccoli, this dish came together effortlessly in under 30 minutes. The blend of flavors and textures in this Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is so irresistible that even picky eaters like my teenage son couldn’t resist asking for seconds. Plus, the convenience of using pre-made alfredo sauce and frozen broccoli makes this recipe a go-to for busy days without compromising on taste.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t be surprised if it earns you rave reviews and requests for seconds – it’s that good! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this hearty and easy-to-make bake that proves homemade meals can be both simple and extraordinary.

Quick Benefits

• Convenience: Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables, meats, and spices
• Family-approved: Picky eaters enjoy the dish with hidden veggies and delicious flavors
• Make-ahead: Can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, or frozen for future meals

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe Recipe

• This recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights – quick and easy to make in less than 30 minutes but tastes like a gourmet dish.
• The combination of pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and crispy bacon in creamy alfredo sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant.
• Even picky eaters will love this dish – the melted cheese, alfredo sauce, and bacon make the broccoli appealing to all.
• It’s a versatile recipe – you can customize it by adding different vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or even using leftover turkey instead of chicken.
• Shredding your own cheese makes a difference in the creaminess of the final dish, ensuring a rich and decadent flavor.
• This bake reheats well and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep or for freezing for later enjoyment.
• Pair it with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, and complement the flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe

Main Components

• 1 package shelf stable gnocchi
• 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups frozen broccoli
• 2 cups shredded/chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

Optional Garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra bacon
• Green onions

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prep oven and dish

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a casserole dish with non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Cook gnocchi

Prepare the gnocchi following the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine ingredients

Combine the cooked gnocchi, frozen broccoli, chicken, bacon, garlic, and Alfredo sauce, stirring gently until mixed.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Broil and finish

Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown, watching closely as it can brown rapidly.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, green onions, and extra bacon if preferred. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After making the Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for about 4 days. To store it, make sure to transfer the dish into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake completely and then refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, simply add an additional 10 minutes to the original cooking time to ensure it heats through properly. Additionally, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Make sure to thaw the frozen bake overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This make-ahead option is great for planning meals in advance or for storing leftovers for future enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, you can substitute it with any pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or even rigatoni. The creamy alfredo sauce will still coat the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious dish. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter option, you can use cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Tofu or chickpeas can also be used as protein substitutes. To make it vegan, choose a dairy-free alfredo sauce and use plant-based cheese alternatives. This versatile recipe allows for personalization based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion with the Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake, try layering individual portions in small mason jars for a stylish presentation. Start with a spoonful of the bake at the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped green onions. Repeat the layers until the jar is filled, finishing with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Serve the jars on a wooden board for a rustic and charming way for your guests to enjoy this delicious dish.

Another creative way to serve the Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is to turn it into a party appetizer by spooning small portions onto individual crostini slices. Toast the crostini until golden and crispy, then top each slice with a spoonful of the bake. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and color. These bite-sized treats will be a hit at any gathering, allowing guests to enjoy the comforting flavors of the bake in a convenient and elegant finger food format.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf stable gnocchi?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh gnocchi in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as fresh gnocchi cooks much faster than shelf stable gnocchi. Adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too mushy.

Can I omit the bacon to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. You can also consider adding some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Yes, feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. You can substitute Monterey Jack with other melty cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken gnocchi alfredo bake ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if baking from frozen to ensure it heats through evenly.

Conclusion

As you finish preparing your Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake, remember that the true magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this bake never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures.

I hope this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in mine. Experiment with different variations and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing delicious meals with your loved ones. So, gather around the table, savor each bite of your Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake, and create lasting memories with those who matter most. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Cheesy Chicken Gnocchi Bake: Easy Alfredo Recipe

“Effortlessly create restaurant-quality Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake with creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese in under 30 minutes!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time22 Minutes

Total Time42 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 package shelf stable gnocchi
• 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups frozen broccoli
• 2 cups shredded/chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

Optional Garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra bacon
• Green onions

Instructions

1. Prep oven and dish: Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a casserole dish with non-stick baking spray.
2. Cook gnocchi: Prepare the gnocchi following the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
3. Combine ingredients: Combine the cooked gnocchi, frozen broccoli, chicken, bacon, garlic, and Alfredo sauce, stirring gently until mixed.
4. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Broil and finish: Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown, watching closely as it can brown rapidly.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, green onions, and extra bacon if preferred. Serve promptly.