Description
This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi Bake is a hearty and creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, pillowy gnocchi, cheesy Alfredo sauce, and nutritious broccoli. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and topped with Italian-style panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish, this baked dish is perfect for a comforting family meal that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Delallo Gnocchi Kit
- 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
- 16 ounces chicken breast tenderloins, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 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) so it’s ready by the time you finish assembling the dish.
- Prepare the gnocchi: Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions found in the Delallo Gnocchi Kit. Typically, boil the gnocchi until they float, indicating they are done. Drain and set aside.
- Cook garlic: In a large, oven-safe skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Heat over medium-high heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and soft, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and combine until smooth.
- Incorporate cheese: Combine the romano and mozzarella cheeses, reserving ¾ cup for topping. Gradually stir the remaining cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously and allowing the cheese to melt completely before adding more, creating a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooked gnocchi, cooked chicken, and frozen broccoli to the skillet. Gently stir everything together until all components are coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the reserved ¾ cup of cheese over the top, then evenly cover with Italian-style panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; additional Italian seasoning or garlic powder can enhance flavor.
- Fresh broccoli can be substituted for frozen if preferred; steam it lightly before adding.
- For extra richness, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
