Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, pounded to even thickness or sliced in half lengthwise into cutlets
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Bake
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb uncooked potato gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to evenly coat and infuse flavor.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and pan-fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 145°F. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven. Add water if the pan browns too quickly. Remove chicken to a cutting board and rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and melt over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Add sliced shallots and cook 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt. Sprinkle flour over and stir constantly to create a roux (thick paste). Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream over medium heat. Increase heat to medium-high, whisking continuously until sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Combine Chicken and Gnocchi: Turn off heat. Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce along with uncooked gnocchi. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown. Check and rotate the pan 1-2 times during baking for even browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven carefully. Let the bake cool slightly before serving to enjoy the creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo gnocchi goodness.
Notes
- If you prefer using a casserole dish, follow the recipe steps to cook the chicken and make the sauce in a skillet. Then spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray, transfer the chicken, gnocchi, and sauce mixture, and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
