Disgustingly Good Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi in 40 Minutes

Oh, friends, let’s talk comfort food! There’s just something magical about a big bowl of creamy pasta, isn’t there? And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. It’s total comfort, but still feels special enough for a weeknight treat. I’ve taught this recipe in my cooking classes here in Asheville more times than I can count, and it’s always a huge hit. What I love most is how easy it is – even if you’re new to making pasta dishes, trust me, you can totally nail this!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Seriously, you’re gonna *adore* this recipe. It’s got everything going for it. Let me tell you why:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Okay, real talk: weeknights are hectic! But this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi? It’s ready in under 40 minutes. That’s faster than takeout, and way more satisfying. Promise!

Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food

That Alfredo sauce… oh my goodness. It’s rich, it’s decadent, it’s everything you want on a chilly evening. And those soft, pillowy gnocchi? They just soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, I swear!

A Family Favorite

Here’s the best part: even picky eaters love this. The kids go wild for the gnocchi, and adults can’t resist that creamy sauce. It’s a total win-win for family dinner night.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi:

• 1 lb gnocchi – the pillowy kind, not the super dense ones!
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – makes it cook faster!
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing that chicken to golden perfection
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1 cup heavy cream – the key to that dreamy sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is *always* best, trust me
• 1/4 cup butter – unsalted, to control the saltiness
• Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy!
• Optional: 1 cup spinach – for a little green goodness

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on delicious Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi in no time!

Preparing the Chicken for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

First, grab those chicken breasts and chop ’em into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook super quickly and evenly. Now, season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to really coat them! Heat up that olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot so you get a good sear on the chicken – that’s where the flavor *really* comes from!

Cooking the Gnocchi

While the chicken’s doing its thing, let’s get the gnocchi going. Just follow the package directions – usually, it’s as simple as dropping them into boiling water. They’re done when they float to the top, usually just a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy. Nobody wants mushy gnocchi! Drain ’em well and set aside. I usually give them a little toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Making the Creamy Alfredo Sauce for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Alright, are you ready for the best part? Once the chicken is cooked through and browned, take it out of the skillet and set it aside. Now, toss in that minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant – careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer (that means tiny little bubbles). Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is gonna be *amazing*! If you’re adding spinach, now’s the time to toss it in and cook until it wilts.

Combining Chicken, Gnocchi, and Alfredo Sauce

Now for the grand finale! Add the cooked gnocchi and chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the gnocchi and chicken are completely coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. Serve it up immediately and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Okay, wanna take this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, watch that sauce! If it gets too thick, just splash in a little milk or pasta water until it’s perfect. And to keep the gnocchi from sticking together, toss them with a bit of olive oil after draining. Trust me, these little things make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Let’s talk ingredients! That heavy cream is what makes the sauce so rich, but if you’re watching calories, you *can* use half-and-half. It won’t be quite as decadent, but still yummy! For a lighter Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi, try using part-skim Parmesan. And if you’re dairy-free, there are some great plant-based Parmesan alternatives out there now. Just experiment and find what you like! Oh, and that gnocchi? You can totally use gluten-free gnocchi if needed!

Variations on Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Want to jazz up your Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi? Oh, the possibilities! My favorite is adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes – that little burst of tang is just *chef’s kiss*. Or how about some sautéed mushrooms? So earthy and delicious! For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. And don’t forget fresh herbs! Parsley, basil, thyme… whatever you’re feeling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about my Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi recipe:

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi recipe?

Okay, yes, you *can* use store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. It’ll definitely save you some time. But honestly? Homemade Alfredo is just so much better! It’s richer, creamier, and you know exactly what’s going into it. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. But hey, if you’re short on time, grab a jar – just try to find a good quality one!

What is the best type of gnocchi to use for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi?

Ooh, good question! I usually go for the classic potato gnocchi – those pillowy little dumplings are just perfect with the creamy Alfredo. But you know what? Sweet potato gnocchi is also *amazing* in this dish! It adds a little sweetness and a beautiful color. Just avoid the really dense, chewy gnocchi, okay? You want something light and tender.

How can I make this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi healthier?

Alright, so you want to lighten things up a bit? I get it! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half (it won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious!). Load up on the veggies – spinach, broccoli, peas… the more the merrier! And you can definitely use grilled chicken instead of sautéed for a leaner protein option. Small changes can make a big difference!

Nutritional Information for Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a *rough* idea of what you’re looking at, nutritionally speaking, for a serving of this yummy Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi. But hey, remember, this is just an estimate! It totally depends on the exact ingredients you use (brands, cuts of chicken, etc.). So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi!

There you have it! I hope you love this Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi as much as we do. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out! Share a pic, too – I’d love to see your creation!

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