Oh, let me tell you about my go-to comfort dish that never fails to impress—Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake. This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender gnocchi, juicy chicken, and flavorful broccoli all baked to perfection. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian restaurant without leaving your kitchen.
The first time I made this, I was in a rush and needed something quick yet satisfying. I had some leftover chicken, a jar of Alfredo sauce, and a pack of gnocchi sitting in my pantry. I thought, “Why not throw them together and see what happens?” And let me tell you, what happened was pure magic! The gnocchi soaks up all that creamy sauce, the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the crispy bacon on top? Absolute heaven.
What I love most about this dish is how effortless it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. The broccoli adds a nice balance, making this meal feel a little less indulgent (even though it totally is!).
What’s in Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake?
Gnocchi:
These little potato dumplings are soft, pillowy, and perfect for absorbing that rich Alfredo sauce. I use shelf-stable gnocchi because they cook quickly and hold their shape well in the bake.
Cooked Chicken:
Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here! Just shred or chop it up, and it’s ready to go. If you don’t have leftovers, you can quickly cook some chicken breasts or thighs.
Broccoli:
Frozen broccoli makes this super convenient. Just toss it in, and it cooks beautifully in the oven. If you prefer fresh, lightly steam it beforehand.
Bacon (or Turkey Bacon):
The crispy, smoky flavor takes this dish to another level. I love adding a little extra on top before serving.
Garlic:
A tablespoon of minced garlic brings out the best in the Alfredo sauce, giving it that extra depth of flavor.
Alfredo Sauce:
A good-quality store-bought jar works great, but if you want to make your own, go for it! The creamy, garlicky sauce ties everything together.
Mozzarella and Monterey Jack Cheese:
These cheeses melt beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy layer on top.
Parmesan and Green Onions (Optional):
Freshly grated parmesan adds a nice salty kick, while green onions give a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy bake.
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again. Now, let’s dive into how to put it all together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 package shelf-stable gnocchi – These soft, pillowy dumplings create the perfect base for this creamy bake.
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2 cups frozen broccoli – No need to thaw! The oven will cook it perfectly, keeping it tender yet slightly crisp.
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2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook and shred your own.
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1/2 cup crumbled cooked turkey bacon – Adds a crispy, smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
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1 tablespoon minced garlic – Enhances the Alfredo sauce with a delicious depth of flavor.
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1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce – A rich and creamy sauce that ties everything together.
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture.
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Adds a mild, creamy flavor to balance the mozzarella.
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Freshly grated parmesan cheese, green onions, and extra turkey bacon (optional garnish) – These toppings add the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
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Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. These dumplings cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
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Mix everything together – In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked gnocchi, frozen broccoli, shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, minced garlic, and Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
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Assemble the bake – Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese generously on top.
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Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown, slightly crispy cheese layer. Watch closely to avoid burning!
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Garnish and serve – Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and extra crumbled turkey bacon for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake
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Want a little spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a slight kick.
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Prefer a richer sauce? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking for extra creaminess.
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Looking for more crunch? Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking for a crispy topping.
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
How to Make Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake (Step-by-Step Guide)
Creating this delicious Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is easy! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a casserole dish with non-stick spray. This ensures the bake won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the shelf-stable gnocchi according to the package directions. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once they float to the top, they’re ready! Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together:
✔ Cooked gnocchi
✔ Frozen broccoli (no need to thaw)
✔ Shredded or chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
✔ Crumbled turkey bacon for a smoky flavor
✔ Minced garlic to enhance the taste
✔ Alfredo sauce to coat everything in creamy goodness
Stir everything together until well combined and coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with:
✔ Mozzarella cheese for that stretchy, gooey texture
✔ Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, mild flavor
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Top
Switch your oven to broil and let the top brown for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—cheese can burn quickly!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with:
✔ Freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick
✔ Chopped green onions for freshness
✔ Extra crumbled turkey bacon for added crunch
Serve immediately while hot and enjoy a rich, comforting meal!
Fun Variations and Substitutions
✔ Add a crunch – Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy finish.
✔ Make it extra creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an even richer Alfredo sauce.
✔ Give it a spicy kick – A dash of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat.
✔ More veggies? – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
This Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors!
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Soft gnocchi, tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and broccoli are coated in a rich Alfredo sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
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1 package shelf-stable gnocchi
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2 cups frozen broccoli
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2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
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1/2 cup crumbled cooked turkey bacon
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Freshly grated parmesan cheese, green onions, and extra turkey bacon (optional garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a casserole dish with non-stick baking spray.
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Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked gnocchi, frozen broccoli, shredded chicken, turkey bacon, minced garlic, and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated.
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Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese.
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Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top slightly, watching closely to avoid burning.
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Garnish with parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, and extra turkey bacon if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Make it ahead – Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Add extra veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.
✔ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake
1. Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?
Yes! If you have time, homemade gnocchi adds a fresh, soft texture to this dish. Just boil them until they float, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
4. What can I serve with Chicken Gnocchi Alfredo Bake?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a balanced meal.