Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philadelphia), softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking to soften, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until very soft. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third.
- Cook the garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces), heavy cream, and chicken broth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring almost constantly, until the cream cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce. Avoid cooking longer to keep the sauce from thickening too much before baking.
- Add gnocchi and chicken: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi and cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently for 3 minutes to combine and slightly cook the gnocchi.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet mixture, then remove the pan from heat.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the skillet contents into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest before serving: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken a bit more. Season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese properly is key to achieving a smooth sauce.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If you prefer, cooked gnocchi can be used, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American