Cozy Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable creamy chicken and gnocchi bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Soft pillowy gnocchi nestled in a rich, velvety sauce creates a heavenly dish everyone will adore.

Each forkful blends tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked potato dumplings in a creamy embrace.

Herbs and seasonings dance through the sauce, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

The golden-brown cheese topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become special moments when this crowd-pleasing recipe hits the table.

Why This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake Is So Comforting

• Quick Kitchen Win: Tackle this delightful chicken and gnocchi bake with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.
• One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet from stovetop to oven, reducing cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy dish that delivers rich, hearty flavors guaranteed to please both adults and kids at the dinner table.
• Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize this recipe by swapping proteins or adding vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Chicken and Gnocchi Bake

• Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the dish.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting and hearty element to the creamy bake.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt: A flavorful combination that enhances the overall taste of the chicken and creates a well-seasoned dish.

• Butter, Milk, Cream: Ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce with a luxurious texture.

• Cheeses: Provide a melty, golden crust that adds depth and richness to the final dish.

• Shallot, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that build a deep and complex flavor base for the sauce.

• Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, helping to create a cohesive and flavorful dish.

• Flour: Helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce by thickening the liquid components.

• Olive Oil: Ensures even cooking and helps to develop a golden color on the chicken.

Steps to Make Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Massage these ingredients into the chicken until it’s fully coated.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You’re looking for a golden exterior and an internal temperature just shy of 165°F.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it take a quick breather.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallots until they’re soft and translucent.

Add garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 6: Create a Creamy Sauce

Add remaining butter and sprinkle flour to create a roux.

Whisk in broth, milk, and cream.

Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Dice the rested chicken and add it to the sauce.

Toss in gnocchi and sprinkle generously with cheeses.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Tips for a Creamy and Delicious Bake

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior and maximum flavor absorption.
• Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Use fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for best texture; avoid frozen varieties that can become mushy.
• Mix different cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and prevent drying out.

Variations to Try with Chicken and Gnocchi

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Delight: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream and reduce total carbohydrate content for keto-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap some cream with Greek yogurt for tangier profile.

Best Ways to Serve This Chicken Bake

• Cheesy Companion Platter: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken gnocchi.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which will enhance the creamy flavors and cut through the richness.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving to add a bright, herbal note and make the dish visually appealing.

How to Keep Chicken and Gnocchi Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi as it can become mushy.
• Preheat to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil last 5 minutes for cheese to crisp.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, you can easily swap raw chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just dice it and add to the sauce, reducing overall cooking time.

• What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?

Potato gnocchi is recommended. Fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi from the refrigerated section will give the best texture and flavor compared to dried versions.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when creating the roux. Ensure your gnocchi is also gluten-free, as some varieties contain wheat.

Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic happens with this chicken and gnocchi bake, blending tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, velvety sauce. Comfort meets elegance in this Italian-inspired dish that promises to delight and satisfy with each comforting, cheesy bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked potato gnocchi
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 2 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Thickener:

• 3 tablespoons flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 425°F, preparing for a culinary transformation.
2. Massage chicken with olive oil, infusing it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of salt.
3. Ignite a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden stage for the chicken.
4. Sear chicken for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway, until it achieves a sun-kissed exterior and approaches 165°F internally.
5. Relocate chicken to a cutting board for a brief respite, allowing juices to redistribute.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce shallots, coaxing them to a tender submission, then add garlic for an aromatic crescendo.
7. Introduce remaining butter, dust with flour to craft a velvety roux, then whisk in broth, milk, and cream until the sauce thickens and glosses.
8. Slice chicken into bite-sized morsels, reuniting them with the luscious sauce and pillowy gnocchi.
9. Cascade a generous blanket of cheeses across the surface, promising a molten, golden crown.
10. Slide into the preheated oven, baking 12-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and bronzes with irresistible allure.

Notes

• Selecting the right chicken is crucial; choose boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking and easier dicing.
• Prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy by briefly patting them dry before adding to the sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for deeper aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 576 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg